Rhinopneumonitis Vaccinations in Orange County

There are three main strains of the Rhino virus that are of clinical significance in horses.

One strain is the type that causes abortions in pregnant mares. Rhino virus is the most common cause of abortions in horses, and it can be largely prevented by vaccinating the mare with an appropriate Rhino vaccine at 3, 5, 7, and 9 months of gestation.

A second strain of Rhino virus causes classical respiratory diseases, fever, cough, nasal discharge, and lethargy.

The third strain causes neurologic signs similar to other viral encephalitic diseases like Sleeping Sickness.

For horses other than pregnant mares, it is suggested that horses be vaccinated for Rhino four-five times a year depending upon exposure and other risk factors. A horse on the show circuit should be vaccinated more frequently than a horse living alone at a private residence.