[Year-round antibody profile of groups of horses of a herd kept in isolation after differently terminating use of an experimental viral combination vaccine].

The commercial vaccine "Resequin F Konz." devised against viral respiratory infections of horses contains the abortigenic Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). Therefore we had used it in our protection project of the Austrian Lipizzaners+ primarily to prevent abortions. Taking into account the recent perception that for young horses the respiratory-pathogenic EHV-4 type is essential Behringwerke Marburg added this particular virus to their market product to produce a multicomponent experimental vaccine. We examined this vaccine for its antibody induction as well as their persistence against each of its viral components. On groups of foals we did this regarding its prophylactic effect against respiratory infections. Furthermore, we investigated its immunogenicity in adult horses, hoping for a potentiating effect of EHV-4 against EHV-1, mediating enhanced protection against abortion caused by the latter virus. This experimental vaccine proved excellently tolerable, its immunogenicity against either equine herpesvirus type was considerable, was very good against both equine influenza subtypes, was low, however, against retroviruses types 1 and 3. Recommendations are made for seasonal optimal spacing of vaccinations, taking into account the prevalent dissemination phases of the viruses involved, the different age groups of horses and their respective use.