Horse vaccination plan: checking influenza for competitions
From the vaccinations in the health record, the Friends4horses vaccination check works out whether your horse is eligible to compete under the influenza rules of the LPO (the German competition rules of the FN) and until when the next vaccination is due. It is free. It doesn’t replace the check of the equine passport by the show office – the LPO and the competition schedule are what count.
For iPhone. The Android app isn’t on Google Play yet.
The LPO influenza rules in brief
This is how the app calculates (FN, German national competitions under the LPO, implementing provisions on vaccination against influenza):
| Step | Deadline |
|---|---|
| from the 1st to the 2nd vaccination | 28 to 70 days |
| from the 2nd to the 3rd vaccination | at the latest 6 months and 21 days |
| every booster | at the latest 6 months and 21 days after the last one |
| start after the 2nd vaccination | at the earliest after 14 days |
| start after every later vaccination | at the earliest after 7 days (no start on the day of the vaccination or the 6 days after it) |
If an interval isn’t kept, the primary course starts again. Two entries on the same day count as one vaccination. If a deadline ends on a day that doesn’t exist in that month (31/08 plus 6 months), the app takes the last day of the month – the shorter reading.
What does the vaccination check show?
One of five states, in one sentence: no influenza vaccination entered, primary course incomplete (with the window for the next one), not allowed to start until a day, ready to compete until a day or expired. With “Competition on …?” you check a specific day and see what still needs doing until then. If a vaccination appointment is missing in the calendar, the app suggests one two weeks before it’s due; it then reminds you like any appointment.
A vaccination only counts if the record says what it was against. A tetanus vaccination counted as influenza would give a false “ready to compete” – that’s why the app asks you to assign entries without that detail.
How do I set up the vaccination plan in the app?
- In the horse’s health record, enter a treatment of the type “Vaccination” and choose influenza under “Against” (also for combined vaccines with tetanus).
- Add the earlier vaccinations from the equine passport – only then does the check know the whole chain.
- Open the vaccination check at the top of the vaccination list; if you like, accept the suggested appointment for the next vaccination.
The health record
Temperature, pulse, respiration and weight with history, a symptom diary from head to hoof, treatments, medication and vaccinations. If a value is outside the resting values of an adult horse, the app says “Ask the vet” – never what is wrong with the horse. For foals and young horses it only shows the number.
| Resting value (adult horse) | Reference |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 37.5 to 38.0 °C |
| Pulse | 28 to 40 beats per minute |
| Respiration | 8 to 16 breaths per minute |
The record is only visible to the roles allowed to read it: owner and co-managers, not helpers. The values of the last 30 days are free; older history is part of Friends4horses Plus.
Frequently asked questions
How often does a competition horse have to be vaccinated against influenza?
After a primary course of three injections, at the latest every 6 months and 21 days. If the deadline is missed, the primary course starts again. What counts is the current LPO and the competition schedule.
When can a horse compete again after a vaccination?
At the earliest 14 days after the 2nd vaccination of the primary course and 7 days after every later vaccination: no starts are allowed on the day of the vaccination or the 6 days after it.
Does the vaccination check replace the check by the show office?
No. From the vaccinations in the record, the check calculates from when your horse is eligible to compete under the influenza rules of the LPO (German competition rules). What counts is the entry in the equine passport, the check by the show office and the competition schedule.
Does the check also apply to FEI competitions or other national federations?
No. The app only calculates according to the German national rules of the FN (LPO). The FEI counts differently, for example for the intervals of the primary course, and the rules of other national federations have their own deadlines.