WHICH VACCINES ARE MANDATORY FOR HORSES IN FRANCE AND EUROPE?
Horse vaccination is essential in competition and breeding, even if not always mandatory.
The health of horses largely depends on appropriate preventive vaccination. In France, as in the rest of Europe, there is no universally mandatory vaccination for all equines. However, depending on the context competitions, breeding, or export certain vaccinations become compulsory. This article reviews the required vaccines and best practices to follow.
Mandatory vaccines in France
General framework
In France, no vaccination is legally required for all horses. The tetanus vaccine, although highly recommended, is not compulsory since the disease is not contagious between horses.
Cases where vaccination becomes mandatory
Competitions and races
To take part in gallop and trot races, horses must be vaccinated against equine influenza and equine rhinopneumonitis (EHV-1 and EHV-4).
For competitions organized by the French Equestrian Federation (FFE), vaccination is already mandatory in the Pro division since 2024 and will also be required in the Amateur division from 2026 onwards.
Société Hippique Française (SHF)
Since January 1, 2022, vaccination against equine influenza and rhinopneumonitis has been compulsory for all horses participating in SHF events. The vaccination protocol includes two primary injections, a booster five to six months later, and then annual boosters.
Vaccination requirements in Europe
Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI)
For international competitions, the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) requires vaccination against equine influenza. Vaccination records are systematically checked before participation.
United Kingdom and Germany
In the United Kingdom, vaccination is compulsory for Thoroughbred broodmares.
In Germany, and also in France for Thoroughbreds and AQPS, horses intended for racing or breeding must be vaccinated against influenza and rhinopneumonitis, according to stud-book regulations.
Exports and intra-European transport
When exporting horses to certain European Union countries, a health certificate may require proof of vaccination against West Nile Virus (WNV). The vaccination schedule includes two injections 21 to 42 days apart, with the second given at least 30 days before transport.
Special cases and recommendations
Tetanus
Although not compulsory, the tetanus vaccine is considered essential. Horses are highly susceptible to this often fatal disease, and vaccination remains the only effective protection.
Stud-books
Some stud-books impose specific rules. This is particularly true for Thoroughbreds and AQPS, where vaccination against influenza and rhinopneumonitis is a mandatory condition for breeding.
Diseases without available vaccines
Some serious diseases, such as equine infectious anemia (EIA), have no available vaccine. Their management relies solely on strict screening measures (Coggins test) and sanitary prevention.
Conclusion
In summary, in France and Europe:
- There is no universally compulsory vaccine for all horses.
- Vaccines against equine influenza and rhinopneumonitis are mandatory for participation in races, competitions, or selection events.
- Tetanus, while not compulsory, is strongly recommended.
- In specific cases (export, breeding, stud-books), other vaccines such as West Nile Virus may be required.
Vaccination is therefore primarily a matter of context and sporting or zootechnical regulations, but it remains an essential tool for health prevention and collective safety.
