1 December 2006
Millsboro, Delaware
New four-way vaccine is the first designed especially for foals
Intervet Inc., a global leader in animal vaccine research and development, announces the availability of Prestige IV FoalShot with Havlogen® equine vaccine. The new four-way vaccine combines antigens for Eastern and Western Encephalomyelitis (EEE, WEE), Tetanus and Equine Herpes Virus 1 and 4 (EHV-1, EHV-4) in the convenience of a low-volume, low reaction, 1 mL dose.
“Until now, there has not been a single-vaccine solution for foals,” says Wendy Vaala, V.D.M., Dipl. A.C.V.I.M, Intervet Equine Technical Services Specialist. “Foals require a distinct protocol when it comes to disease protection, and Prestige IV FoalShot is the first vaccine to address the specific needs of the foal.”
Proven protection. Trusted safety. Time-saving convenience.
Prestige IV FoalShot is based on the same Prestige technology veterinarians and horse owners trust. The vaccine is proven as an aid in the prevention of disease caused by EEE, WEE viruses and Tetanus, and as an aid in the control of respiratory disease caused by EHV-1 and EHV-4.
Vaala says prior to Prestige IV FoalShot, veterinarians and horse owners had a choice of using multivalent vaccines with more antigens than the foal needed or administering multiple single-antigen shots as part of their vaccination program for young foals.
“Unnecessary antigens or extra injections only add unnecessary irritation for the foal, and increased expenditure of time and / or money by the veterinarian and horse owner,” says Vaala. “We’ve always believed there was a better solution, which is why Prestige IV FoalShot represents an important – and long overdue – step in delivering complete and targeted foal care.”
Vaala says the problem with administering currently recommended combination vaccines to foals is the inclusion of an influenza antigen. Although veterinarians recommend beginning vaccinations at approximately 5 to 6 months of age, a foal’s first influenza vaccination should not come until 8 to 11 months of age. This is because maternal antibodies can inhibit a foal’s response to inactivated influenza vaccines for up to 9 months of age. In fact, administering killed influenza vaccines to younger foals results in an ineffective or misdirected immune response.
“Prestige IV FoalShot does not contain influenza, resolving the concern about maternal antibody interference,” says Vaala.
“Timing of the foal’s first vaccinations is critical. The maternally derived colostral antibodies that provide the foal with temporary protection are the same antibodies that prevent the foal from mounting an acceptable immune response to vaccines that are administered too early.”
Prestige IV FoalShot consists of a 1-mL dose administered intramuscularly. Refer to the package insert for complete vaccination directions. After the initial priming series, annual revaccination is recommended.
Intervet Foal Care ProgramSM
Prestige IV FoalShot is part of the new Intervet Foal Care Program. This unique program focuses on the first year of the foal’s life, offering horse owners recommendations for complete foal healthcare, including mare care, foal deworming and vaccination protocols, as well as offering client-education materials for veterinarians.
“Prestige IV FoalShot and the new Intervet Foal Care Program represent Intervet’s commitment to the full spectrum of equine health, from breeding to birth and beyond,” says Marv Jahde, Marketing Manager, Equine Products for Intervet. “A healthy horse begins with a healthy foal. We’re committed to helping veterinarians provide lifelong care to our equine companions.”
For more information about Prestige IV FoalShot, the Intervet Foal Care Program and the full line of Intervet equine products and services, contact Intervet Customer Service at 1-800-441-8272 or visit www.FoalCare.com.
Wendy Vaala, V.D.M., Intervet Technical Services Specialist, shares recommended vaccination guidelines for foals
Vaccinations for Foals
Disease | Vaccination Timing | Booster |
EEE, WEE, VEE | 5-6 months of age for primary immunization | 3-4 weeks after primary and again 3 months after second booster |
Tetanus | 5-6 months of age for primary immunization | 3-4 weeks after primary and again 3 months after first booster |
EHV-1 and EHV-4 (Rhino) | 5-6 months of age for primary immunization | 3-4 weeks after primary and again 3 months after first booster |
Rabies | 5-6 months of age for primary immunization | 3-4 weeks after primary |
Potomac Horse Fever | 4-6 months of age for primary immunization | 3-4 weeks after primary. Vaccinate if disease is endemic in area. |
Strangles (Strep. equi) | 4-6 months of age for primary immunization | 3-4 weeks after primary; vaccinate only if there is increased risk of disease |
West Nile Virus | 5 months of age for primary | 3-4 weeks after primary |
Influenza | 8-11 months of age for primary immunization | Revaccinate every 6 months |
