Tetanus prophylaxis in horses: guidelines for New Zealand and Australia based on a critical appraisal of the evidence.

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dc.citation.issue5
dc.citation.volume72
dc.contributor.authorLovett AL
dc.contributor.authorRiley CB
dc.contributor.authorChapman V
dc.contributor.authorBell B
dc.contributor.authorBishop B
dc.contributor.authorGrierson A
dc.contributor.authorJohnstone LJ
dc.contributor.authorSykes BW
dc.coverage.spatialEngland
dc.date.accessioned2024-08-14T20:38:31Z
dc.date.available2024-08-14T20:38:31Z
dc.date.issued2024-06-23
dc.description.abstractHorses are exquisitely sensitive to tetanus neurotoxin and are exposed to the risk of infection with Clostridium tetani throughout life. The vaccine against tetanus is highly effective at preventing disease, whereas tetanus in unvaccinated populations is associated with high mortality rates. Current guidelines in New Zealand and Australia for the available vaccine contain contradictions and limitations surrounding the optimal tetanus immunisation protocols for both adult horses and foals. This review critically evaluates the scientific literature on tetanus prophylaxis in horses within the context of equine practice and available products in New Zealand and Australia. The review was conducted by a panel of industry and specialist veterinarians to obtain agreement on nine equine tetanus prophylaxis guidelines for practising veterinarians. The primary protocol for tetanus toxoid (TT) immunisation consists of a three-dose series IM for all horses ≥ 6 months of age, and a four-dose series IM is proposed if commencing vaccination in foals between 3 and 6 months of age. Tetanus prophylaxis in foals < 3 months of age relies on passive immunity strategies. Following the completion of the primary protocol, a TT booster dose IM should be administered within 5 years, and every 5 years thereafter. When followed, these protocols should provide adequate protection against tetanus in horses. Additional tetanus prophylaxis guidelines are provided for veterinarians attending a horse experiencing a known "risk event" (e.g. wound, hoof abscess, surgery, umbilical infection). When a correctly vaccinated horse experiences a risk event, pre-existing immunity provides protection against tetanus. When an unvaccinated horse or one with unknown vaccination status, or a foal born to an unvaccinated dam, experiences a risk event, TT IM and tetanus antitoxin (TAT) 1,500 IU SC should be administered simultaneously at separate sites, and the TT primary immunisation protocol should subsequently be completed for the horse's respective age. In previously immunised pregnant broodmares, a TT booster dose administered 4-8 weeks prior to parturition optimises the transfer of passive immunity against tetanus to the newborn foal via colostrum; provided that post-natal IgG concentration in serum is > 800 mg/dL (8 g/L), such foals should be passively protected against tetanus up to 6 months of age. Survivors of clinical tetanus must still receive the primary protocol for vaccination against tetanus. In summary, all horses in New Zealand and Australia should be vaccinated against tetanus with protection maintained throughout life via TT booster doses, facilitated by accurate medical record keeping and client education.
dc.description.confidentialfalse
dc.edition.edition2024
dc.format.pagination241-255
dc.identifier.author-urlhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38910032
dc.identifier.citationLovett AL, Riley CB, Chapman V, Bell B, Bishop B, Grierson A, Johnstone LJ, Sykes BW. (2024). Tetanus prophylaxis in horses: guidelines for New Zealand and Australia based on a critical appraisal of the evidence.. N Z Vet J. 72. 5. (pp. 241-255).
dc.identifier.doi10.1080/00480169.2024.2365283
dc.identifier.eissn1176-0710
dc.identifier.elements-typejournal-article
dc.identifier.issn0048-0169
dc.identifier.urihttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/71296
dc.languageeng
dc.publisherTaylor and Francis Group
dc.publisher.urihttps://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00480169.2024.2365283
dc.relation.isPartOfN Z Vet J
dc.rights(c) 2024 The Author/s
dc.rightsCC BY-NC-ND 4.0
dc.rights.urihttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
dc.subjectClostridium tetani
dc.subjectVaccine
dc.subjectantitoxin
dc.subjectfoal
dc.subjecthorse
dc.subjectimmunisation
dc.subjecttoxoid
dc.subjectHorses
dc.subjectAnimals
dc.subjectTetanus
dc.subjectHorse Diseases
dc.subjectNew Zealand
dc.subjectTetanus Toxoid
dc.subjectAustralia
dc.subjectVaccination
dc.subjectPractice Guidelines as Topic
dc.titleTetanus prophylaxis in horses: guidelines for New Zealand and Australia based on a critical appraisal of the evidence.
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.elements-id489561
pubs.organisational-groupOther
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