The latest technology to protect your horse against tetanus and strangles.   Equivac 2in1 horse vaccine is the worlds first combined tetanus and strangles vaccine. The vaccine consists of a combination of the inactivated toxin of Clostridium tetani and the cell-free extract of Streptococcus equi organisms. Equivac 2in1 is used in the prevention of tetanus and in the control of strangles due to Streptococcus equi. Equivac 2in1 comes in a prefilled syringe. Vaccination against tetanus and strangles shold be included as part of every horse's vaccination program. Directions for Use: The vaccine is injected intramuscularly.  The most convenient site for injection is the centre of the side of the neck.  Each dose comprises 1mL of vaccine. Before the vaccine is injected, the proposed site of inoculation on the horses skin should be cleaned by swabbing with cotton wool soaked in a suitable antiseptic solution, such as methylated spirits. For primary immunisation, horses of 3 months of age or older should be given 3 doses of vaccine.  It is recommended that the first dose given is Equivac 2 in 1, the second dose is Equivac 2 in 1 or Equivac S, and the third dose given is Equivac 2 in 1.  The interval between doses should be not less than 2 weeks. A booster dose of Equivac 2 in 1 (or Equivac T) should be given one year after the primary immunisation course, to ensure long-lasting immunity against tetanus.  It is advisable, particularly in valuable animals, to revaccinate against tetanus at intervals of approximately 5 years. To maintain immunity against strangles, a booster dose of Equivac 2 in 1 (or Equivac S) should be given annually.  Increased protection against strangles may be obtained by administering booster doses more frequently, and six monthly vaccination should be considered in circumstances where the risk of strangles is known to be high.  The preferred vaccine for this purpose is Equivac S. Localised swelling may occasionally develop at the site of injection.  On rare occasions, systemic signs have been observed following vaccination against strangles.  This appears to occur when horses have been sensitised to Streptococcus equi by exposure to infection, or when they are incubating the disease.  Horses which show an abnormally severe reaction following vaccination should not receive further doses of vaccine containing a strangles component for 12 months.  Tetanus immunisation should be completed with Equivac T in these cases.  Local reactions are more evident if the vaccine is injected subcutaneously.  Provided the injection has been carried out aseptically, any swelling which occurs at the site of inoculation should resolve spontaneously. Development of the Immune Response: As a result of the administration of a primary (3-dose) course of Equivac 2in1 and Equivac S, circulating antibodies reach their maximum level about two weeks after the last dose. General Information on Strangles: Strangles is a highly infectious disease of horses.  Typically, outbreaks occur when numbers of susceptible horses are brought together.  This disease is caused by Streptococcus equi and is characterised by a purulent nasal discharge and by abcess formation in the lymph nodes.  The sub-mandibular lymph nodes are the most commonly affected but the infection may extend throughout the body. Streptococcus equi may occasionally cause nasal discharge without swelling of the lymph nodes, and subclinical infections may also occur.  Nasal discharge may also be caused by other organisms, notably Streptococcus zooepidemicus.  Other disease may therefore be confused with strangles.  It must be emphasised that Equivac 2in1 is of value only in the control of strangles caused by Streptococcus equi. Control of Strangles: It is strongly recommended that all horses be included in a regular programme of vaccination.  Foals should receive a primary course of vaccination (three doses) commencing as soon as possible after the age of three months, and the resultant antibody response should be maintained by regular booster doses.  It is particularly important that booster doses be given prior to periods of greater risk of infection such as the breeding season.  Pregnant mares may be vaccinated up to two weeks before foaling. The objective in carrying out a regular programme of vaccination is to maintain a high level of antibodies to strangles int he blood of all horses in the herd or group, with a view to preventing the onset of an outbreak of strangles.  Field experience has confirmed that the disease control can be achieved by these means.  Nevertheless, breakdowns do occur, usually under conditions where vaccinated animals are exposed to an outbreak of the disease and the challenge to immunity is great.  It is not claimed that Equivac 2 in 1 is an absolute preventative to strangles infection. The presence of other infectious diseases, parasitic infections, nutritional disorders, immunological deficiencies and poor management practices may reduce the effectiveness of any vaccination programme.  In the event of an outbreak of strangles, horses should be segregated into three groups and handled as follows: a) Those affected by the disease should be treated, but not vaccinated. b) Horses with no known contact with the disease should be vaccinated immediately. c) Horses known to have been in contact should be observed for 7 to 10 days, and vaccinated only if they have a normal temperature and show no clinical signs of the disease. Thus, the control of strangles requires not only correct diagnosis and proper use of Equivac 2 in 1 or Equivac S, but also consideration of local factors.  To ensure the best results from a control program, vaccination should be carried out by veterinarians or under their direct supervision. Treatment of Strangles: Equivac 2 in 1 is for control only, & is of no value in the treatment of strangles.  Treatment, when required, is likely to vary from case to case and should only be carried out by veterinarians, or directly under their supervision. General Information on Tetanus: The susceptibility of animals to tetanus varies considerably according to species.  For example, horses, sheep and goats are highly susceptible, while cats, dogs, pigs and cattle are moderately susceptible.  Birds are highly resistant.  If losses in animals have occurred from tetanus, veterinary advice should be sought in order to ensure that the correct diagnosis is made and the most effective vaccination programme instituted. Use of Tetanus Antitoxin: A single dose of Equivac 2 in 1 or Equivac T given to an unimmunised horse at the time of wounding or surgery may not prevent tetanus.  For immediate short-term protection against tetanus, Equivac TAT (tetanus antitoxin) should be used.  At the same time, active immunisation with Equivac 2 in 1 or Equivac T should be commenced. Storage: Store at 2 to 8 degrees celsius.  Refrigerate.  Do not freeze.  Protect from light.