Let’s talk tetanus and horses. New guidelines have just been released for Australia and New Zealand, and they’re a great reminder that tetanus is no joke for horses.
Horses are highly sensitive to the tetanus toxin It’s almost always fatal without protection The good news? It’s preventable with the right vaccination strategy
The updated evidence-based recommendations include:A 3-dose primary course of tetanus toxoid (TT) for horses starting at 6 months (or 4 doses if started between 3–6 months)
Booster every 5 years (not necessarily annually!)
Pregnant mares should receive a booster 4–8 weeks before foaling to protect the newborn via colostrum
In a risk event (wound, surgery, hoof abscess etc), unvaccinated horses should get both TT and antitoxin (TAT)
If your horse is already vaccinated, no extra doses are needed unless it’s been 5+ years
Even survivors of tetanus need full vaccination – natural infection does not guarantee immunity.
Passive immunity in foals (from mum or plasma) only lasts so long – we still need to vaccinate foals appropriately from 3–6 months depending on their risk and maternal status.
Bottom line: Vaccination saves lives. Talk to me about the best tetanus plan for your horse or foal, especially ahead of breeding, surgery, or wound management.
Reference: NZ Vet Journal, 2024: “Tetanus prophylaxis in horses: Guidelines for New Zealand and Australia”[Link to article: https://doi.org/10.1080/00480169.2024.2365283]
This blog post was provided by Dr Lauren Jones of Kentaro Veterinary Services servicing the Coffs Harbour District in NSW
