Equine rescue and retirement facilities are encouraged to apply for free vaccines through the Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign (UHVRC), a program sponsored by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and Merck Animal Health. The deadline for applications for spring vaccines is Feb. 1.

The campaign, which was established in 2008, provides free equine vaccines to rescue and retirement facilities in the United States. To date, more than 15,000 horses have been vaccinated through the program.

Qualifying facilities are provided with vaccines to protect against eastern equine encephalomyelitis, western equine encephalomyelitis, rabies, and tetanus, as well as equine influenza and equine herpesvirus.

To qualify for donated vaccines, facilities must have 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status and abide by the AAEP Care Guidelines for Equine Rescue and Retirement Facilities. Rescue and retirement facilities are required to work with an AAEP-member veterinarian when applying for vaccinations