Re: [RC] over vaccinating our horses - Mary Ann Spencer
If one's horses NEVER are exposed to other horses,
than one can probably get by without many vaccinations. There are some
risks with WNF vaccine. One needs to do one's own risk assessment and listen to
one's veterinarian. But tetanus and East West and Venezulan encephalitis
should be the minimum shots for our horses. I realize there is NO VE in
some parts of the country but if one goes to functions where horses come in from
here and there, there at least a slight risk. There is not that much
tracking of horse movements. I have trailered from TX to CA to WA as well
as numerous times to NC. Never been asked for anything. Yrs ago
trailered from CO to WA. Only place that had a livestock check in was
going into WA from OR on I-5.
The Army has a vested interest in prevention of
disease and hence keeping the soldiers on duty. Hence, they have
researched what is needed for what areas of the world. US duty, not very
much. Europe not much. But if going to a '3rd world type country' it
is LOTS. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Work loss
can really adversely affect the mission. Risk assessment is done as well
as cost relative to risk. I did not enjoy the burning sensation of the
anthrax shot BUT as we saw a few yrs ago, inhalation of anthrax can be deadly
and in the least slow up a mission.
"... we have been over vaccinating our animals
...."
The only study I have seen relating to the
possibility of over vaccinating, was done 30 or so years ago by the US
Army. They give their airborne and quick response units vaccinations for
every disease in the world, the rest of the troops only get vaccinations for
diseases where they will be going. They could not find any health
effects.
Please do not flame me that the US Army hurts it
troops etc. If you do know of a refereed journal (not a book, or
internet site) that proves "over vaccination" send me the reference
privately, and I will get a copy, read it, and report to ridecamp
later.
Ed
Ed & Wendy Hauser 2994 Mittower
Road Victor, MT 59875
