Several topics were discussed at the infectious diseases table topic at the 2008 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention held in San Diego, Calif. Bonnie Barr, VMD, from Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, and Josie Traub-Dargatz, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, from Colorado State University, facilitated the session.

The first topic discussed was rabies vaccination. In some parts of the United States the rabies vaccine is not routinely administered, but now the AAEP has listed this vaccine as one of its core vaccinations. Core vaccinations are defined by the American Veterinary Medical Association as vaccines that protect from diseases that are endemic, pose a risk of severe disease, and have a potential for zoonosis (transmission from animals to humans). Based on the fact that all mammals are at risk for rabies and that horses with rabies can develop a wide variation of clinical signs, most agreed that the vaccine is necessary in all regions of the continental United States. There was a discussion that the rabies vaccine for horses is safe and undergoes rigorous efficacy testing.

Lawsonia intracellularis, the causative agent of proliferative enteropathy (a spreading disease involving the intestines) in weanlings, was the next topic discussed. The discussion started with an overview of the disease, including clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment. Treatment typically includes appropriate antimicrobials and supportive care. Questions were asked about the prevalence of the disease and possibility of a vaccine.

Surveillance guidelines for the general equine population were briefly mentioned. The discussion focused on state testing for infectious diseases, specifically what types of tests are performed. Two state veterinarians were in the audience and commented that requirements for the testing for detection of infectious disease vary from state to state