Post by dunderi on Jul 24, 2013 3:13:15 GMT -5
Its not something people in the US have to be concerned about, but here in Australia at the moment its a hot topic, especially in Qld & NSW.
The Hendra virus and its vaccine.
when first released the vaccine was extremely expensive per dose - and needs to be given twice, at 21 days apart. plus your horse needs to be microchipped. add this all to the costs of a vet call out and you were looking at $1000 per horse.
the royal show has demanded that all horses that attend must prove they've been fully vaccinated. same with the local shows, and many equestrian events.
a few months later, I'm able to get a vet from down the road (he's only recently moved into our area) to come by (no callout since he's so close!) give the vax shot for $110, scan Reuben to see if he is chipped (i honestly don't know, i doubt it though)and if he needs one it is $45. the second shot is then free.
the cost though is not the reason i've not yet vaccinated Reuben. the vaccine is still in it's trial stage, and there are people who doubt its been properly and fully tested. Reuben is a gelding, not breeding stock, so i'm not worried about his ability to reproduce like a lot of horse owners are. He's 6, and a bit chubby, well cared for etc, so i'm not too concerned about his chances of an adverse reaction.
there are stories flying all over the internet about horse death after vax and being covered up by the vets/zoetis (drug company) etc, as well as rumours that the vaccine has not yet been challenged by a LETHAL strain/strength of the Hendra virus... that does concern me.
so why am i vaccinating?
becuase hendra kills horses.... sure. but it also kills humans. and i have a 2yo daughter, and a 13 year old sister that like to pat Reuben.
i might have more chances of being runover by a bus, or dying from a head injury from a falling coconut than i do of getting Hendra on my property - but i weighed up Reuben's life against Lillien's, and Reu comes up short.
i'm conflicted about it. the money is negligible at this stage, so its not that. i don't like being scared into sticking my animal with a needle loaded with a potentially harmful substance that is still being tested. he's my pony, not a lab rat or guinea pig. but, if he was to get it, and put my family at risk, and i hadn't given him the needle? don't think i could handle it.
if i didn't have Reuben here on my property or i didn't own a horse at all i would be against the vax until it was proven - proven effective and proven harmless. but with him here i just can't risk it - not when we have flying foxes so close, that come and raid the neighbours citrus trees, or our date palms, which are in the paddock the horse grazes.
The Hendra virus and its vaccine.
when first released the vaccine was extremely expensive per dose - and needs to be given twice, at 21 days apart. plus your horse needs to be microchipped. add this all to the costs of a vet call out and you were looking at $1000 per horse.
the royal show has demanded that all horses that attend must prove they've been fully vaccinated. same with the local shows, and many equestrian events.
a few months later, I'm able to get a vet from down the road (he's only recently moved into our area) to come by (no callout since he's so close!) give the vax shot for $110, scan Reuben to see if he is chipped (i honestly don't know, i doubt it though)and if he needs one it is $45. the second shot is then free.
the cost though is not the reason i've not yet vaccinated Reuben. the vaccine is still in it's trial stage, and there are people who doubt its been properly and fully tested. Reuben is a gelding, not breeding stock, so i'm not worried about his ability to reproduce like a lot of horse owners are. He's 6, and a bit chubby, well cared for etc, so i'm not too concerned about his chances of an adverse reaction.
there are stories flying all over the internet about horse death after vax and being covered up by the vets/zoetis (drug company) etc, as well as rumours that the vaccine has not yet been challenged by a LETHAL strain/strength of the Hendra virus... that does concern me.
so why am i vaccinating?
becuase hendra kills horses.... sure. but it also kills humans. and i have a 2yo daughter, and a 13 year old sister that like to pat Reuben.
i might have more chances of being runover by a bus, or dying from a head injury from a falling coconut than i do of getting Hendra on my property - but i weighed up Reuben's life against Lillien's, and Reu comes up short.
i'm conflicted about it. the money is negligible at this stage, so its not that. i don't like being scared into sticking my animal with a needle loaded with a potentially harmful substance that is still being tested. he's my pony, not a lab rat or guinea pig. but, if he was to get it, and put my family at risk, and i hadn't given him the needle? don't think i could handle it.
if i didn't have Reuben here on my property or i didn't own a horse at all i would be against the vax until it was proven - proven effective and proven harmless. but with him here i just can't risk it - not when we have flying foxes so close, that come and raid the neighbours citrus trees, or our date palms, which are in the paddock the horse grazes.
Thanks guys 
