Vaccination Recommendations for the Pregnant Mare
By: Don McDonald
DVMResident Veterinarian and Manager
JEH Stallion Station, New Mexico
The time is here once again to provide pre-foaling health care. Pregnant mares should be wormed regularly at 60 to 90 day intervals. Equine Rhinopneumonitis vaccine to prevent abortion should be administered on the fifth, seventh, and ninth month of pregnancy. This vaccine should be one designed to prevent abortion as the antigen concentration is much higher than vaccines designed to prevent the respiratory form of the disease. Remember to administer all other annual and/or semi-annual vaccines (EWT, Flu, West Nile, etc.) 4 to 6 weeks prior to foaling to maximize antibodies in the colostrum. Rotavirus vaccine should be administered on the eighth, ninth, and tenth months of pregnancy to prevent the disease in the newborn. Contact your local veterinarian for vaccination recommendations that might be unique in your locale.
