If you've been asking yourself "are my horse's spring shots considered essential care?", the answer is YES.
The Infectious Disease Committee of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has issued revised guidelines for the administration of selected core and risk-based vaccines to horses. The committee also emphasizes that routine vaccinations are considered essential during this COVID-19 pandemic, and overdue vaccinations should be completed to help prevent disease in horses. Duration of immunity for some vaccines might be limited to 6 months; therefore, maintaining a routine vaccination schedule is critical for horses at high risk of developing these diseases, and vaccinations should be scheduled as soon as reasonably possible to ensure the health and welfare of the horse. In all cases, veterinarians should consider local conditions and current state-imposed regulations to determine when vaccinations can be completed safely during this unprecedented time.
If you have yet to contact your veterinarian about scheduling your horse's vaccinations, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible!
Learn more about the updated vaccination guidelines.
Corona Virus Updates from UC Davis
The new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the disease COVID-19, is a type of zoonotic virus that jumps from animals to humans. Through its One Health Institute, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is one of the foremost institutions working to identify and prevent the transmission and spread of these types of viruses.
This resource page collects information and resources related to the school and coronavirus.
Information on Animals that have Tested Positive for COVID-19
According to UCDavis Veterinary Medicine, by February 2020, there was evidence that animals were being infected with SARS-CoV-2. While two dogs (Hong Kong), four cats (Belgium, Hong Kong, New York [2]), five tigers (New York City), and three lions (New York City) have been infected (as of April 22) with SARS-CoV-2, infectious disease experts and multiple international and domestic human and animal health organizations agree there is no evidence at this point to indicate that pets spread COVID-19 to other animals, including people.
Coronavirus Disease Resources and Updates - The Equine Disease Communication Center
Excerpts from Equine Disease Communication Center: Disease Factsheet:
Equine Coronavirus
NOTE: Equine Corona Virus -ECoV- is NOT the same virus as Covid-19
Disease Name: Equine Coronavirus, Beta Coronavirus, ECoV
Disease Type: Viral disease caused by an RNA virus. The disease causes gastrointestinal disease in horses.
Transmission: ECoV is spread when feces from an infected horse is ingested by another horse (fecaloral transmission). The virus can also be transmitted when horses make oral contact with surfaces or objects that are contaminated with infected feces. Stalls, muck forks, manure spreaders, thermometers and clothing are common fomites (objects or materials that can harbor ECoV). ECoV is most commonly diagnosed in the winter months.
ECoV appears to be specific for horses with no evidence of infection or that it is transmitted to humans or other animals, however appropriate biosecurity measures should be practiced with all horses with diarrhea or when horses are showing clinical signs consistent with ECoV.
Frequency: Low Incubation period: 2-4 days
Carrier status: Carrier status is currently unknown but horses with no clinical signs have been found to shed the virus.
Shedding period: Shedding period is unknown but the virus can be present in samples 3-15 days post infection; horses that show no evidence of the virus can shed the virus.
Latency: It is unknown how soon infected horses become infectious, but the feces of infected horses does pose a risk to other horses.
Severity: Low but mortality can occur in complicated cases. Miniature horses seem to be more affected more often than other breeds/types, but all breeds can be affected. ECoV infections are generally self-limiting. Clinical signs and symptoms:
• Fever up to 105° F (40.5° C)
• Lack of appetite
• Depression
• Colic
• Laying down frequently
• Diarrhea (may or may not present)
• Low white blood cell count
Equine Coronavirus and Covid-19: No evidence of horse-human spread
Equine Enteric Coronavirus and Covid-19 are both coronaviruses but are distinctly different viruses, and there is no evidence to indicate that horses could contract Covid-19, or that they would be able to spread the disease to other animals or humans, according to several international health organizations.
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