The Vaccinations Task Force of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has released recommendations for the administration of the West Nile virus vaccine. Recommendations for the vaccine’s use are based on the age, type and level of activity of the horse. The new West Nile virus guidelines are a supplement to the AAEP’s “Guidelines for Vaccination of Horses” that was released in 2001. The guidelines are intended to serve as a reference for veterinarians as they employ vaccines in their respective practices.

To view the recommendations online, please click here.

The Task Force,co-chaired by Robert Holland, DVM, and Gordon Brumbaugh, DVM, comprised researchers, vaccine manufacturers and private practitioners. A copy of the resource guide “Guidelines for Vaccination of Horses” can be obtained by contacting the AAEP office at (859) 233-0147 or [email protected]. The cost of the guide is $3 for AAEP members and $7 for non-members.

The Task Force stresses that each individual vaccination situation must be evaluated based on the risk of disease, potential for adverse reactions to a vaccine, anticipated efficacy of the selected product and cost. Veterinarians, through an appropriate veterinarian-client-patient relationship, should use the guidelines coupled with available products to determine the best professional care for their patients.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, KY, is the world’s largest professional association of equine veterinarians. Founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse, the AAEP currently reaches more than five million horse owners through its over 8,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.