The FEI requires all horses competing in FEI competition to provide evidence of sufficient vaccination against equine influenza. Vaccination against equine influenza is an important deterrent to equine respiratory disease amongst FEI competition horses and is essential for health regulatory reasons. The vaccination protocol involves regular six monthly booster vaccinations following a primary vaccination course, as from January 2005. The primary course is essential to stimulate initial immunity and for an optimal effect of subsequent booster vaccinations.
All horses and ponies for which an FEI Passport or a National Passport approved by the FEI has been issued must have the vaccination section completed and endorsed by a veterinarian, stating that it has received two injections for primary vaccination against equine influenza, given between 21 and 92 days (i.e. 1-3 months) apart. For live vaccines, another schedule for the primary vaccination may apply. In addition, a booster vaccination must be administered within each succeeding 6 months (± 21 days) following the second vaccination of the primary course. None of these injections must have been given within the preceding 7 days including the day of the competition or of entry into the competition stables.
The above are the minimum requirements for influenza vaccination. The primary course and subsequent booster vaccinations should be given according to the manufacturer's instructions that will fall within the stipulation of the FEI ruling. If a horse is not competing in FEI competitions for an extended period, at least the manufacturers’ recommendations for booster vaccinations should be followed.
Further guidelines as to the Equine Influenza vaccinations can be found on
the FEI website (http://www.horsesport.org/FEI/fei_04_02.html)