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  Discussion on Botulism
Author Message
Member:
Chris888

Posted on Monday, Apr 5, 2004 - 11:35 am:

I'm having some difficulty deciding whether the botulism vaccination is appropriate for my horses. I can't seem to find any information in this article about it (am I missing something?) I understand there are 5 different strains, A-E and that strain B and C are most prevalent. Also that the vaccinations are only against one strain, so I should choose according to what fits best.

I found the following statement in one of your articles: "Botulism vaccination only on farms with a past history of problems, usually Kentucky or Mid-Atlantic States."

We live near Philadelphia but there is no history (that I know of) of botulism on my "farm" (only 5 acres). Do you have any additional information that will help me make an informed decision?

Thanks,
Chris
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Apr 5, 2004 - 12:33 pm:

Try our article on Botulism and Shaker Foals Chris at, Equine Diseases > Nervous System > Botulism Poisoning, Shaker Foals. To check for local incidence I would call either my local veterinarian or better would be the State Veterinary Lab.
DrO
Member:
Bonita

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 6, 2004 - 10:41 am:

Hi Chris!

I don't know if this will help you or not, but our vets here in the northern Piedmont area of Virginia only recommend routine Botulism vaccinations if the horse(s) are fed hay in the large round-bale form. Apparently due to the size, baling method, & the increased possibility of small animals getting mixed into the hay, it is infinitely more possible for conditions favorable to the Botulism toxin to grow.

That's what they tell us here, anyway. . ..
Member:
Chris888

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 6, 2004 - 11:53 am:

Thanks Bonita. That is what my research indicated too; a potentially higher risk with large round-bale hay.

Between the article DrO pointed out above, my additional research and your comments, I'm leaning towards not using the vaccination. My hesitation is that my vet recommends it. Of course, when I asked this vet which strain his vaccination covered he said all of them. He also couldn't tell me who the manufacturer was or why he recommends it, only that all the reputable vets in the area do it. (He's the young new partner in the group, sigh.)

Thanks for your response. I think I might create a poll on my other horse board and get input from other horse owners, thanks for the idea!

Chris

Member:
Bonita

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 6, 2004 - 12:48 pm:

Did your vet tell you "why" he recommends it as a routine vac?

Perhaps to put your mind at more ease you could phone other vets &/or horse farms in your area & ask their opinion. Most horse folk are a friendly lot & not at all adverse to offering their "opinion" - lol!!!

I only know in my case, since I only feed the small square bales & tend to "pull apart & fluff" my hay, my vet said the vac would be a waste of money. In my 20 years as a horse owner, I have only twice come across animals baled in my hay - once a flat-as-a-pancake full-grown rabbit, the other a flat-as-a-pancake full-grown female pheasant. The pheasant was discovered during my "pull apart & fluff" routine; the rabbit was discovered in a haynet, after I investigated why one of my horses wasn't eating the hay. I unfortunately had just put the flakes into the net without checking them.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 7, 2004 - 7:13 am:

Chris I do not consider this a routine vaccine and considering the uninformed response of your vet, I reiterate my suggestion to contact the state vet lab to try and get an incidence rate for your area.
DrO
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Apr 2, 2005 - 9:28 am:

Dayla I have moved your post to the bottom of the other dicussion to keep the information together. I will also see if I can get it untangled from the original posters discussion to make keeping up with it easier. Right now your post is at Equine Diseases » Nervous System » Neurological Conditions Not Covered Above » Neurological topics not covered above. » Discussion on Sudden Death in 7 yo Arabian Stallion.
DrO
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