QUICK TIPS: Protecting Your Horse Against Rabies is in Your Hands

Veterinarian vaccinating a horse.
Veterinarian vaccinating a horse. Kondrashov MIkhail Evgenevich

Newsdate: Thursday, May 2, 2019, 11:00 am
Location: DULUTH, Georgia

All core equine diseases pose grave dangers, but rabies presents the most serious threat for exposed horses and humans who encounter them. Annual vaccination is the only way to protect your horse against rabies — which is 100% fatal to horses once clinical signs appear.

Skunks - Carriers of rabies affecting horses.

Skunks - Carriers of rabies affecting horses

Annual vaccination is the only way to protect your horse against rabies which is 100% fatal to horses once clinical signs appear.
© 2018 by TomfriedelTomfriedel

Only 1 out of 7 horses are vaccinated against rabies, a staggering number that puts so many horses at risk for this devastating disease. Provide dedicated care to your horse to protect against rabies as well as the other potentially deadly core diseases: West Nile virus, Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis and tetanus.

Rabies is a zoonotic disease which means that it also presents risk to your family, friends and anyone else that encounters your horse. “Sometimes, rabies will surprise you because it mimics other diseases. But, it’s important to recognize it because of the exposure not only to other animals, but especially to people,” said Eleanor Green, DVM, DACVIM, DABVP, Dean of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University.

“Rabies is always a risk to people that are around the animal. It’s a very serious disease; rabies is always fatal.”

Complicating the risks is the unavoidable exposure to wildlife that could carry the disease. Bats, foxes, raccoons and skunks all present rabies risks. Furthermore, rabies often appears when you least expect it.

“Warning signs of a horse that has contracted rabies doesn't always show up as a classic rabies case — foaming at the mouth and biting,” said Maggie Loomer, DVM, Durango Equine Veterinary Clinic. “Often, it can be disguised as colic.”

Through responsible horse care, providing the protection your horse needs from core diseases has never been easier. Talk with your veterinarian to learn more about the risk of rabies and all core diseases. And take preventive measures to protect the health of your horse through annual vaccination with Core EQ Innovator.

The first and only vaccine to contain all core equine disease antigens in one injection, Core EQ Innovator protects against West Nile virus, Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis, tetanus and rabies. The vaccine, available from your veterinarian, is demonstrated safe and was shown to be reaction-free in 99.7% of horses, according to field safety studies.1,2

About Zoetis

Zoetis is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 65 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines, vaccines and diagnostic products, which are complemented by biodevices, genetic tests and a range of services. Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries. In 2018, the company generated annual revenue of $5.8 billion with approximately 10,000 employees. For more information, visit https://www.zoetisus.com.


Press release provided by Kassi Hoxmeier Bader Rutter for Zoetis

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This news article is a press release received by the organization or person noted above. Press releases from recognized horse health companies and individuals are frequently posted on EquiMed as a service to our visitors. Please contact the author of the press release directly for additional information.

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