Rabies is rare but fatal in horses. It poses a similarly grave risk to humans. Infected horses can infect human handlers. For that reason, rabies vaccination deserves special consideration.

Rabies vaccines are generally effective and provide peace of mind in the event a horse is exposed to the disease. Rabies is a “core” vaccine, recommended for every equine by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).

HOW IT WORKS

The vaccine is made from part of the rabies virus that has been chemically altered so it has no toxic effects, but still stimulates an immune response. When this is injected into the muscle, immune cells create antibodies to rabies. If the rabies vaccine is exposed to the blood, then these antibodies bind to the organism and destroy it before it can produce toxin.

Rabies vaccine is given annually as an intra-muscular injection. Depending upon the specific product used, vaccination may either start with a single shot, or a primary shot and a booster in 3-6 weeks. Due to the public health implications of this disease, your vet administers this vaccine. It should not be purchased over-the-counter.