The Vaccinations Task Force of the American Association of Equine Practitioners has released recommendations for administration of the West Nile virus vaccine. Recommendations for vaccine use are based on a horse's age, type, and activity level.

The WNV guidelines are a supplement to the AAEP's Guidelines for Vaccination of Horses, released in 2001. The guidelines are intended to serve as a reference for veterinarians as they administer vaccines in their practices.

Drs. Robert Holland and Gordon Brumbaugh co-chaired the task force, which comprised researchers, vaccine manufacturers, and private practitioners. The task force stresses that each vaccination situation must be evaluated on the basis of disease risk, the potential for adverse reactions, the anticipated efficacy of the selected product, and cost. Through a proper veterinarian-client-patient relationship, veterinarians should use the guidelines, coupled with available products, to determine the best care for their patients.

To view the recommendations, visit www.aaep.org/pdfs/AAEP_WNV_Guidelines_2005.pdf. A copy of the Guidelines for Vaccination of Horses is available from the AAEP office at (859) 233-0147 or aaepoffice@aaep.org.