North 40 Life Magazine | Page 15

VVaccination helps protect against serious infectious diseases. Viruses can cause infectious diseases that pose a threat to horses – some can even be fatal. Fortunately, regular vaccinations stimulate your horse’s own immune system to produce antibodies to help protect against serious diseases. The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) recommends ALL horses are vaccinated against the West Nile Virus. This virus kills around 1 in 3 infected horses by causing severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. The virus is spread by mosquitoes, so the explosion in insect numbers during Spring increases the risk of horses becoming infected. TIPS FOR SPRING As the weather starts to warm up, disease-carrying insects (including mosquitoes that transmit West Nile Virus) and horse parasites are on the rise. So now is a good time to think about the diseases and parasites in your area that could pose a threat to your horse. QUEST GEL Deworm to protect against encysted small strongyles . Quest: the only long-lasting single dose treatment for control of encysted small strongyle larvae plus bots A WEST NILE INNOVATOR Vaccinate against West Nile Virus prior to the start of mosquito season. Vaccinate annually, or twice-yearly if mosquitoes are present year-round. FLUVAC INNOVATOR Tested and trusted influenza vaccine for horses is available in different combinations to provide protection against multiple diseases with 1 convenient vaccine. new approach to deworming...individualized programs Apart from vaccinations, the other key to year-round protection for your horse is deworming. According to the AAEP guidelines, not all horses need the traditional ‘onesize-fits-all’ scheduled deworming every 6-8 weeks. A new approach uses individualized deworming programs, tailored to your horse’s specific risk. This provides effective parasite control and reduces the chance of parasites becoming resistant to deworming products. And because you’re only treating when you need to, you might even be able to save money. TIPS FOR SUMMER Infectious diseases and parasites don’t take Summer holidays! So make sure you keep up with important vaccinations and deworming, because the hot weather can create ideal conditions for common horse threats. & th rea dw orm s EM PT SE f large es, For control and removal of large strongyles, small strongyles, large roundworms, pinworms and threadworms. LL FA EQ ANTHELCIDE EQ TETANUS TOXOID Vaccinate against Tetanus – The tetanus organism produces a powerful nerve toxin that can kill around 80% of infected horses (vaccinate annually) 15