Horses are at risk for rattlesnake bite.

Horses can encounter a rattlesnake anytime they are in rattlesnake habitat. Rattlesnakes inhabit wetlands, deserts, and forests, from sea level to mountain elevations. Rattlesnakes are most active in warmer seasons, spring to autumn, and even year-round in southern latitudes. You and your horse may live, play, or travel near rattlesnakes. Like people, horses can stumble upon a snake by accident, under a feeder or in a pasture. Your horse’s natural curiosity can put them at further risk. Red Rock Rattlesnake Vaccine helps protect her.

Injury caused by rattlesnake bite can be serious, long-term, and expensive.

When injected into a horse, the toxins in snake venom are very painful and can have serious consequences. Even if your horse survives the immediate effects of a rattlesnake bite, he can be permanently injured by the venom.  Since horses are obligate nose-breathers, a bite on the muzzle can obstruct nasal passages, resulting in death by suffocation. A bite to the leg can block circulation in the foot and lead to hoof sloughing. Snakebite treatment costs can include hospitalization, intravenous fluids, steroids and other medicines, and even surgery.  Treatment of snakebite with sufficient antivenom injections is almost always cost-prohibitive. Vaccination can help reduce the injury of snakebite and decrease treatment costs.

Rattlesnake Vaccine stimulates your horse’s own immunity.

Vaccines work by stimulating an animal’s immunity to help defend against potentially harmful agents. The Rattlesnake Vaccine is intended to help create an immunity to protect your horse against the effects of western diamondback rattlesnake venom.

Snakebite is always an emergency.

Even after your horse is vaccinated against rattlesnake venom, she should be seen by a veterinarian for evaluation and care as soon as possible following snakebite. Veterinarians can determine whether your horse will require additional treatment. Even bites by non-venomous snakes can lead to serious infections and antibiotic treatment may be needed. A veterinarian is the best person to consult regarding medical decisions for your horse.

See these AAEP Snake Bite Vaccination Guidelines