BOAH Lunch-and-Learn Webinar Series:
Vaccine Preventable Healthcare in the Horse
Many common diseases of equids should not be so common. A vaccination regimen can prevent illness and even death. Late winter /early spring is the perfect time to talk to your veterinarian about what vaccines would be most effective to keep horses safe and healthy all season long.
BOAH welcomed special guest and equine veterinarian Dr. Ryan Rothenbuhler to a 3-part webinar series that aired February and March 2026 to address vaccine-preventable diseases. After a presentation, he and BOAH’s Equine Health Programs Director Dr. Heather Solomon-Gabl shared their experiences and insights, as well as answered questions.
About Dr. Rothenbuhler: Dr. Rothenbuhler graduated from Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001 and completed an equine internship at The Ohio State University in 2002. After that, he returned to Purdue to complete a large animal surgical residency and research training. In 2009, he became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons–Large Animal. Since then, he has been a partner at Conley and Koontz Equine in Columbia City, IN.
About Dr. Solomon-Gabl: Dr. Solomon-Gabl attended Purdue University for her undergraduate degree in Animal Science, followed by a doctorate of veterinary medicine. After graduating, she spent 7 years in private practice focused on equine. Dr. Solomon-Gabl joined the Indiana State Board of Animal Health in 2023 as District 7 veterinarian, where she serves as the agency’s subject matter expert for equine health.
Part 1: Mosquito-borne Virus Prevention
February 25
A conversation about West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis. The discussion will focus on how the diseases are transmitted, clinical signs, and prevention strategies such as vaccination.
Part 2: Core-based vs. Risk-based Vaccination
March 11
We will discuss the recommended vaccines every horse should receive and how often. Then we will consider vaccines that can be given on an as-needed basis to individuals or groups, in cases such as travel, exhibition, use of the horse, and geographic region. (March 11)
Part 3: Strangles and Outbreak Prevention
March 25
We will discuss how this contagious disease, strangles (Streptococcus equi), is transmitted, clinical signs, and prevention. We will include a discussion about the carrier state – horses who no longer show clinical signs yet are still capable of transmitting disease. (March 25)
