Lapsed vaccinations on the rise
Image: National Equine Health Survey 2013, Blue Cross
The Blue Cross has released worrying new figures which indicate lapsed vaccinations in horses and ponies have become commonplace.
According to reports, 65 per cent of the horses and ponies taken in by the charity in 2012 either had lapsed vaccinations, or had not been vaccinated against influenza and tetanus. This represents an increase of 11 per cent on figures from 2011.
While the problem is seen in 82 per cent of welfare cases, 54 per cent of horses and ponies being signed over by their owners were also vulnerable to disease.
The charity is concerned by the percentage of animals at risk of debilitating or even fatal diseases. The findings have prompted the charity to include a question on vaccinations in its annual National Equine Health Survey (NEHS), which opens on May 5.
"Feedback suggests that some people genuinely don’t understand that vaccinations need to be done every year and if their vet doesn’t send them a reminder they completely forget," says Gemma Taylor, Blue Cross education officer.
"If the [NEHS] indicates that, in line with Blue Cross figures, lapsed vaccinations are widespread we hope that we will be able to raise awareness of the potential health risks and work with vets and other experts on a strategy to help turn around this worrying trend."
The charity is urging horse owners to participate in the NEHS, which runs from May 5-11, and provides a snapshot of common health issues in horses. Find out more about the survey on the charity's website.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
