Broodmares should be vaccinated for Rhinopneumonitis at 5, 7, and 9 months of pregnancy. Pneumobort-K is the preferred vaccine because it is specific for Equine Herpes Virus 1, which can cause abortion and paralysis and can be spread through the air.
Broodmares should also be vaccinated against VEW Encephalitis, Tetanus Toxoid, Rhino/Flu, and West Nile 4 to 6 weeks prior to foaling. The mare will then produce antibodies to these vaccines which will be passed in the colostrum (first milk) to the newborn foal providing protection against these life-threatening diseases. When the foal is born, a thorough physical examination should be performed. Then to prevent an impaction, an enema should be administered to help pass the meconium. The foal's navel should be dipped with either 1% tammed iodine or 7% iodine 2 to 3 times a day for the first 2 days.
Broodmares should also be dewormed within 48 hours after foaling to prevent the parasite strongyloides westeri from being transmitted to the foal via the milk.