93% Of Horse Owners Would Vaccinate For EHV If Their Vet Recommended It
2 weeks ago 
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Zoetis UK Ltd today announced that a recent survey about Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) showed 93% of horse owners not currently vaccinating their horses would do so if their vet advised it.1
The survey results showed a high compliance amongst respondents for flu and tetanus vaccination, at 95%, yet in contrast only 17% of owners reported vaccinating for EHV despite 86% believing vaccination significantly reduces the spread of the disease.
The most common reason for owners not vaccinating was that their vet hadn’t recommended it (65%) or that they did not know there was a vaccine (40%).
The survey aimed to document the current rate for EHV vaccination, owner level of understanding of EHV, the impact to their horse and the barriers and drivers for vaccination. 2256 horse owners completed the survey. Around two thirds of respondents owned more than one horse, with most horses being used for leisure or competition.
While most owners understood that vaccination significantly reduces the spread of EHV, more than 25% did not understand exactly how the disease was transmitted or the risks of disease to their horse. This was despite 98% of respondents recognising equine gatherings as a risk factor for the spread of EHV and 75% reporting that they frequently left their home premises with their horses.
In terms of disease transmission 94% understood that EHV could be spread via nose to nose touching between horses. However, one in four owners did not know EHV could be transmitted via air droplets, shared equipment, handlers or bedding.
Encouragingly, 78% of owners not currently vaccinating said they would be likely to vaccinate now that they understood the potential impact of EHV on their horse.
“The results confirm that the veterinary profession remains a highly regarded source of advice and recommendation in order to help reduce the potentially fatal risks of EHV outbreaks,” said Zoetis National Equine Veterinary Manager Dr Wendy Talbot. “Education and awareness are key to helping horse owners understand the seriousness of the disease threat and how vaccination helps to reduce the spread.”
For the full survey results please contact your Zoetis equine account manager or email [email protected] or[email protected] .
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