Rhinopneumonia of horses: vaccine, instructions and composition, side effects

Rhinopneumonia is considered a dangerous disease. Pathology of this type provokes severe complications, including a sharp weakening of the immune system and the loss of the ability to bear offspring. The basis for the prevention of the development of equine rhinopneumonia is a vaccine, the instructions for use of which contain rules for use and storage, as well as possible complications that arise after the administration of the medicine.

Form of release and composition of the vaccine against rhinopneumonia

The vaccine against rhinopneumonia is produced in the form of a dry porous mass of pale yellow color, packed in a transparent container.The basis of this tool is an avirulent strain of the virus that causes this disease. The pathogen was previously reproduced in a cell culture taken from a piglet and subjected to freeze-drying.

This type of vaccine is used to prevent the spread of rhinopneumonia in horse breeding farms. The tool is mainly used on dysfunctional farms with a high risk of spreading the virus.

In addition to the cultivated pathogen, edible gelatin is included in the vaccine. The initial mass is not introduced into the body of the animal. Before vaccination, the agent is preliminarily diluted in a 0.9% solution of isotonic sodium chloride or distilled water. The initial mass should completely dissolve, leaving no sediment or flakes behind.

Working principle

The principle of the vaccine is based on the ability of the animal's body to repel the attack of viruses. The composition of this tool includes a weakened pathogen.After the introduction of the latter into the horse's body, the animal's immune system begins to produce antibodies that fight the virus. This develops strong immunity to the effects of a particular pathogen.

The effectiveness of vaccination depends on how accurately the rules of the procedure are followed. Immunity to rhinopneumonia in animals is developed after 10-14 days. However, a single procedure gives a temporary effect. That is, to develop stable immunity to rhinopneumonia, revaccination of the horse will be required.

Despite the fact that a strain of the virus is introduced into the animal's body, the resulting meat or mare's milk can be eaten after 10 days. Such products are not dangerous to humans.

Advantages and disadvantages

Vaccination of horses is useful because the procedure:

reduces the risk of developing rhinopneumonia;
reduces the chance of complications, including the need for induced abortion;
prevents the development of an epidemic among horses within the same farm;
minimizes the risk of developing paralysis and paresis;
allows you not to limit the movement of animals.

It should be understood that the vaccine is not a drug that cures a horse from rhinopneumonia. If the disease develops, other means will be required. The vaccine is used only to prevent the occurrence of rhinopneumonia. Moreover, this remedy does not exclude the possibility of developing a disease in animals.

The second pronounced drawback of the vaccine is that complications are possible after administration. This is due to the body's reaction to the pathogen. In such cases, a temporary increase in temperature and other symptoms characteristic of rhinopneumonia cannot be ruled out.

Indications for use

Rhinopneumonia vaccine is indicated for:

inappropriate containment conditions;
small age;
purebred.

Rhinopneumonia develops in horses of any type and age. However, the probability of contracting a viral disease is higher the younger the animal. More often this pathology is diagnosed in young animals up to a year old. Also, the disease is typical for thoroughbred breeds of horses. Rhinopneumonia does not develop in cattle, small cattle, humans and pigs.

Vaccination against this disease will be required for horses that are improperly fed. The development of pathology is facilitated by insufficient immunity and closely related breeding. In addition, the misuse of the animal in some cases provokes the spread of the virus among the livestock.

Instructions for using the vaccine

Before administration, the vaccine must be diluted in distilled water or sterile saline, heated to a temperature of 18-25 degrees. Carrying out this procedure, it is necessary to follow the rules of antiseptics: perform manipulations with gloves. You should also boil syringes and needles, and treat the injection site with alcohol or iodine.

Rhinopneumonia vaccine is administered intramuscularly in the neck area. Each time you can use no more than 2 milliliters of the drug. The frequency of administration of the vaccine depends on the type of animal. For pregnant mares, this procedure is carried out:

1-3 months pregnant;
3-4 months after the first vaccination (no later than 7 months of pregnancy).

Adult horses are also vaccinated twice with a frequency of 3-4 months. In relation to young animals, a different tactic is used to prevent rhinopneumonia. Stallions under one year old are vaccinated for the first time at the age of 3 months, re-vaccinated 3-4 weeks before the end of breastfeeding.

An important condition for the success of the prevention of rhinopneumonia is annual revaccination. Each subsequent procedure is carried out according to the above algorithm. If the horse is used in sports competitions, then vaccination / revaccination is carried out no later than 2 weeks before departure from the farm.

After each procedure, the animal must be supervised for a week.

Are there any side effects and contraindications?

Due to the fact that the animal's body reacts to the vaccine, after 2-3 days the temperature may rise to 39.5 degrees. This reaction is not considered dangerous. Body temperature usually recovers without outside intervention.

Vaccination / revaccination is prohibited if the horse has respiratory diseases. Also, the procedure is contraindicated for animals with elevated body temperature.

Storage conditions

The vaccine remains effective if the storage conditions of the drug are observed. The latter must be kept in a tightly closed container. The drug should be stored indoors away from direct sunlight at a temperature of 6-8 degrees. If these conditions are met, then the shelf life of the vaccine is 12 months. Unused drugs must be disposed of. Expired vaccines must not be administered to animals.