Vaccinating horses is an essential part of their overall healthcare and is necessary to prevent the spread of potentially life-threatening diseases. In Queensland, there are several diseases that can affect horses, such as Hendra virus, tetanus and strangles.

Hendra virus is a particularly concerning disease that can be transmitted from horses to humans and has been known to cause fatalities in both species. The virus is spread via bodily fluids, and horses can become infected through contact with flying foxes or other infected horses. Vaccination is the best way to protect horses from Hendra virus, and it is recommended by the Australian Veterinary Association.

Strangles is a bacterial infection that can cause fever, nasal discharge, and abscesses in the lymph nodes of horses. It is highly contagious and can spread quickly through horse populations. Vaccination can help prevent the spread of this disease and reduce its impact.

Tetanus is a potentially fatal disease characterized by muscular spasms caused by a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. These organisms, and their spores, are found in the intestinal tract of horses and other species and are abundant in the soil, where they can survive for many years.

The Strangles and Tetanus combined vaccination is administered with 3 vaccinations 2 weeks apart then once a year after that.