Tetanus Vaccination

Tetanus Vaccination and Treatment for Horses in Brisbane, Ipswich and Lockyer Valley

 Tetanus is a potentially fatal disease, caused by the organism Clostridium tetani.

This bacterium survives as spores in the environment, and is found in manure and soil. It enters the horse’s body via wounds, particularly puncture wounds.

Even if your horse never leaves your property, the risk of tetanus is still high. Horses, by their very nature are prone to injury, so they may contract tetanus if punctured by a nail or barbed wire fence.

Routine vaccination is the only way to prevent tetanus.

Why do I need to vaccinate against tetanus? 

When Clostridium tetani enters the body, the bacterium multiplies rapidly, producing a potentially fatal neurotoxin. This nerve toxin causes distressing symptoms and death in approximately 80% of cases.

If your horse is vaccinated against tetanus, the risk of infection can be avoided. In the event where your horse contracts tetanus and you are unsure of their vaccination status, a veterinarian may administer the tetanus antitoxin injection. Sadly, however, you may still be faced with the decision to euthanise your horse. 

How often do I need to vaccinate against tetanus? 

To provide maximum protection against tetanus, your horse should receive an annual booster.

However, if your horse is unvaccinated against tetanus, you should follow the below schedule to give them the full benefits of immunity:

1. First dose – Equivac 2in1 or Equivac T
   4 WEEK INTERVAL
2. Second dose – Equivac 2in1 or Equivac T
   12 MONTH INTERVAL
3. Booster dose – Equivac 2in1 or Equivac T
   12 MONTH INTERVAL
4. Annual booster – Equivac 2in1 or Equivac T

 My horse never leaves my property, do I still need to vaccinate?

 Yes, if your horse is injured, they are at risk of tetanus if unvaccinated. Injury can occur even within the relative safety of your paddock at home, so tetanus vaccination is the only way to protect your horse against this potentially fatal disease.

 Your Next Steps

If your horse is due for vaccination or you’re unsure about its vaccination status, call us today on (07) 5411 4554 to speak with a qualified veterinarian.