Source: KXII.com
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is urging horse owners to vaccinate their animals against four potentially deadly diseases: West Nile Virus, sleeping sickness, tetanus, and rabies. State veterinarian Dr. Rod Hall emphasizes that these diseases don’t require horse-to-horse contact to spread. West Nile Virus and sleeping sickness are mosquito-borne, tetanus can result from contaminated wounds, and rabies—often carried by skunks in Oklahoma—poses serious risks to both horses and humans.
Early symptoms like loss of coordination may take days to appear, making annual vaccinations essential for protection. Dr. Hall recommends beginning vaccinations between 4 to 6 months of age. Cheri Wolfe, owner of Arbuckle Trail Rides, stresses vaccinating mares early to ensure their foals receive strong immunity through colostrum. Proper vaccination not only protects equine health but also reduces the risk of exposure to humans and other animals.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.kxii.com/2025/05/15/state-veterinarians-recommend-key-vaccinations-horses-ahead-summer/