To answer Lisa's question about vaccinating foals for WNV, the protocol we were given in 2003 (first year we vaccinated for WNV) was that if the mares were vaccinated early enough to have built up immunity prior to foaling, the foals weren't to be done until they were 6 months old. If the mare didn't have immunity prior to foaling, then the foals were to get their 1st WNV shot at 4 months and the 2nd one 4-6 weeks later, though as always they can have them as soon as 2 weeks after the first shot.
In this case we were discussing mares that had never been vaccinated for WNV before, but we follow pretty much the same protocol now. Since our mosquito season is short, and we are having our foals a bit later each year (May this year as compared to April last year & March/April previously, with even one Feb. baby 2 years ago) it tends to work out that by the time our foals are 4 months old our mosquito season is winding down. By the time they are 6 months old it is nearly winter! So, they end up not having the vaccine until May of their yearling year.
Reble, I have to ask--what is the point of vaccinating for EEE and WEE in October? The vaccine gives a relatively short peak immunity to EEE and WEE, so by the time mosquito season rolls around, horses vaccinated in October would be seriously under-protected. According to our vets & everything I have read, those are considered spring vaccines in Canada. Southern States of course vaccinate twice a year since they have mosquitos year around & EEE especially is a threat in horses not boosted 2x a year.
