At Potlatch Veterinary Clinic we offer top of the line Prestige 5 + WNV vaccine by Merck. This is an annual vaccine for equines that vaccinates against Eastern and Western encephalomyelitis, equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1), equine herpesvirus type 4 (EHV-4), equine influenza virus (EIV), tetanus and West Nile Virus. It can be used in healthy horses ages 6 months or older. If you have any questions about other vaccinations, give us a call at 208-875-4VET (4838).

How could my horse get West Nile Virus?
Mosquito bites transmit West Nile Virus (WNV) from avian reservoir hosts to horses.

What are the signs of West Nile Virus?
The main symptoms of WNV are neurological, including stumbling, weakness, partial paralysis, muscle twitching and sometimes death.

What is Strangles?
Strangles is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Streptococcus equi. It got the name “Strangles” due to the strangled breathing sounds infected horses make due to nasal discharge and swelling. Strangles is spread via nasal secretions / respiratory droplets.

There is a vaccine for Strangles but it is considered a “risk based” vaccine, not a core vaccine. Therefore, it is recommended to discuss your horse’s lifestyle and risk with a veterinarian to determine if this vaccine is appropriate for your horse.