Can I use the West Nile virus vaccine in a pregnant mare?
Currently, the West Nile virus vaccine does not carry a claim for vaccination of pregnant mares. However, in pre-release safety trials, 31 of 649 horses were pregnant mares which were closely monitored following vaccination. There were no ill effects demonstrated in the mares, their pregnancies or their subsequent foals. Since its release, thousands of doses have been administered to pregnant mares. Fort Dodge Animal Health Professional Services has received no reports implicating a problem with the use of the vaccine in pregnant mares. The safety of its use in pregnant mares most likely approximates that of the Sleeping Sickness vaccines.
