Just as humans are susceptible to a wide variety of diseases, there are a number of common horse diseases that afflict the equine world. Fortunately, almost all of these diseases are preventable. Below are some of the horse diseases that a solid vaccination program can be credited in helping to prevent.
Encephalomyelitis
Equine encephalomyelitis is also called sleeping sickness. This disease is most frequently seen in Eastern (EEE), Western (WEE) and Venezuelan (VEE) strains, with vaccines available to cover all three. This disease is transmitted by mosquitos. Symptoms include a fever followed by a marked deterioration in motor skills.
Influenza
Flu is just as common in the horse population as it is among humans. While it cannot be transferred between species, it can be transferred from horse to horse. This respiratory disease manifests itself via a cough, congestion and nasal discharge.
Dermatitis is an irritating ailment for your horse but can be treated easily.
Rhinopneumonitis
Rhinoneumonitis is also called equine herpes virus or rhino for short. The most common strains are EHV-1 and EHV-4. This is another contagious respiratory disease. Young horses are the most at-risk, though EHV may also cause abortions in unvaccinated pregnant mares.
Tetanus
Veterinarians actually require that horses be vaccinated for Tetanus prior to receiving any form of invasive medical care, including other vaccinations. While Tetanus is not contagious, there are many ways that horses can contract these disease which is caused by bacteria entering an open wound. Symptoms of Tetanus include stiffness followed by muscle spasms.
Rabies
Virtually all animals are at risk for contracting rabies, including horses. This disease is especially dangerous because it can be passed from one species to another and has no cure in horses. Symptoms include foaming at the mouth and disorientedness.
West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus (WNV) only became a real concern for the average horse owner in the last ten years. Aggressive vaccinating has reduced WNV-related mortality rates significantly. This disease is transmitted by mosquitoes. Symptoms include lethargy, fever, stumbling and muscle spasms.
Strangles
Strangles is one of the nastiest horse diseases out there. It is extremely contagious and can be fatal if left untreated. Early symptoms of the disease include a low fever and nasal discharge which progresses to the formation of abcesses throughout the respiratory system.
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