2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

In conclusion, the results show that the modified-live BCoV is safe to administer to horses via various routes, causes minimal shedding and detectable antibodies to BCoV in 25% of the vaccinates. Recent reports indicate the percentage of overweight horses may range anywhere from 20.6-41%. Obesity is a key component of Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), which is typically defined by criteria set in a 2010 ACVIM consensus statement as; regional (neck crest, rump, etc.) or general obesity, hyperinsulinemia or insulin resistance, and a history of or predisposition towards laminitis. Obese humans and diet-induced obese mice have been shown to have reduced immune responses to vaccination. However, the immune response of EMS horses to vaccination is unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of EMS on immune responses to routine vaccination. We hypothesized that, similar to other species, EMS horses would have a reduced response to a routine influenza vaccine compared to non-EMS age matched controls.