Vaccination Schedule for Foals Born to Unvaccinated Mares

What is the recommended age for starting vaccination in foals born to unvaccinated mares?

Is it crucial to initiate their vaccination at an earlier age? When should the boosters be given?

Answer:

Foals born to unvaccinated mares should typically start their vaccination between the ages of 4 to 6 months. The accurate timing may depend on various factors such as the breed of the horse, environmental elements, and disease prevalence. The vaccines are given in a series, with boosters usually given in 4-week intervals until the foal is one year old.

Foals born to unvaccinated mares are typically under higher risk of contracting diseases than those born to vaccinated mares. Therefore, it's crucial to initiate their vaccination at an earlier age. Foals are usually first vaccinated between 4 to 6 months of age.

The accurate timing, however, may also depend on the specific breed of the horse, the environmental factors, and disease prevalence in the region. Vaccination is done in a series: after the first immunization at 4 to 6 months, boosters are typically given in 4-week intervals until the foal is 1 year old. During this period, the foal’s immune response can adequately mature.

It is important to adhere to this vaccination schedule to ensure the foal's health and protection against common equine diseases. Consult with a veterinarian for personalized vaccination recommendations based on your foal's individual needs and circumstances.