These guidelines are intended to be a reference for veterinarians who utilize vaccines in their respective practices. They are neither regulations nor directives and should not be interpreted as such. It is the responsibility of attending veterinarians, through an appropriate veterinarian-client-patient relationship, to utilize relevant information coupled with product availability to determine optimal health care programs for their patients.
Based on the professional judgment of those involved with the development of these guidelines, the recommendations for vaccine administration in this document may differ from the manufacturer’s recommendation. However, it is incumbent on each individual practitioner to reach a decision on vaccine usage based on the circumstances of each unique situation and his or her professional experience.
Information provided in these guidelines addresses only those products licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for use in horses (including draft and pony breeds). There are limited data regarding the use of vaccines in other equidae (i.e. asses, donkeys, mules, miniature horses, and zebra); vaccination of these animals is at the discretion of the attending veterinarian.
- Principles of Vaccination
- Infectious Disease Control
- Vaccine Labeling
- Vaccine Technology
- Adverse Reactions
- Vaccination and Passive Transfer
- Vaccine Storage and Handling
- Core Vaccination Guidelines (Tetanus, EEE/WEE, WNV and Rabies)
- Risk-Based Vaccination Guidelines (Anthrax, Botulism, EHV, EVA, Equine Influenza, Potomac Horse Fever, Rotaviral Diarrhea and Strangles)
- Foal Vaccination Chart
- Adult Horse Vaccination Chart
- Vaccination Guidelines Executive Summary
Guidelines Review Group (2015): Drs. Udeni Balasuriya, Amy Johnson, D. Paul Lunn, Kenton Morgan, Nicola Pusterla, Peter Timoney, Wendy Vaala, W. David Wilson and Jeremy Whitman.
AAEP guidelines are created simply to serve as guidelines for the practitioner and the equine industry. As such, they do not have the force of law. All guidelines issued by the AAEP should be regarded as one of several tools or resources, which a practitioner may take into consideration in the context of his or her practice. All practitioners are encouraged first and foremost to understand and comply with the laws, regulations and standard of care of their appropriate jurisdiction. While guidelines are intended to promote a standard for veterinary practice, lack of adherence to any specific AAEP guideline does not constitute grounds for disciplinary action. The AAEP can exercise disciplinary action only in connection with its own members and its action is limited to denial of membership in the AAEP. The AAEP shall have no liability whatsoever for any of its guidelines. A subcommittee of the AAEP board reviews all of the AAEP guidelines and position statements every five years. Any proposed revisions are approved by a vote of the full board. Dates listed in parenthesis indicate either the date the original statement was approved or the approval date of the latest revision.
© Copyright AAEP 2015