Bay Mare
31st Jan 2006, 06:41 PM
I spoke to one of the vets involved in the case today and whilst I don't want to regurgitate the whole conversation on here as I don't think that it's appropriate or my place to do so I am happy to tell you more if you want to pm me.
A few of the relevant points:
The tale that the vaccinated horses were sicker than the unvaccinated horses is untrue. Some of the vaccinated horses did contract Strangles but it was less severe. A statement is being prepared with regards to the errors made by the H&H in reporting this.
The strain of the virus was not related to the vaccine, this has been typed and checked to make sure.
There was a delay in seeking treatment because it was thought that vaccinated horses couldn't contract Strangles. This is an incorrect assumption, like any vaccination there is always the possibility of getting the disease though it's usually in a milder form if you do get it.
This is the only case that has been highlighted with regards to this type of vaccine. The vaccine used in the US and Australia is a different type which isn't licenced for use in the UK. It is doubtful that it will ever be licenced over here because of safety and efficacy concerns.
Josh Slater and BEVA are continuing to back the use of the vaccine.
The vet that I spoke to was very open and answered all of my questions without fudging or trying to blind me with science. I am certainly happy to keep using the vaccine and I hope that the H&H's scare story doesn't put others off who would normally have used it anyway.
A few of the relevant points:
The tale that the vaccinated horses were sicker than the unvaccinated horses is untrue. Some of the vaccinated horses did contract Strangles but it was less severe. A statement is being prepared with regards to the errors made by the H&H in reporting this.
The strain of the virus was not related to the vaccine, this has been typed and checked to make sure.
There was a delay in seeking treatment because it was thought that vaccinated horses couldn't contract Strangles. This is an incorrect assumption, like any vaccination there is always the possibility of getting the disease though it's usually in a milder form if you do get it.
This is the only case that has been highlighted with regards to this type of vaccine. The vaccine used in the US and Australia is a different type which isn't licenced for use in the UK. It is doubtful that it will ever be licenced over here because of safety and efficacy concerns.
Josh Slater and BEVA are continuing to back the use of the vaccine.
The vet that I spoke to was very open and answered all of my questions without fudging or trying to blind me with science. I am certainly happy to keep using the vaccine and I hope that the H&H's scare story doesn't put others off who would normally have used it anyway.