The Impact of Targeted Vaccination Programs on Immune Resistance to Common Viral Diseases in Farm-Bred Horses: A Systematic Review

Background: Farm-bred horses are highly susceptible to several viral diseases, including equine influenza, equine herpesvirus, and equine viral arteritis. These infections can lead to respiratory distress, abortion, and reduced performance. Although vaccines are widely available, their effectiveness is often compromised by inconsistent implementation and the absence of well-structured, targeted vaccination protocols. Developing and applying risk-based vaccination strategies is therefore critical to improving disease prevention in equine populations. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of targeted vaccination programs in enhancing immune resistance against common viral infections in farm-bred horses. Methods: Following the PRISMA ۲۰۲۰ guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, CAB Abstracts, and Web of Science for studies published between ۲۰۰۰ and ۲۰۲۵. Results: Eligible studies included those assessing vaccination schedules tailored to age, exposure risk, or herd health status, and reporting outcomes such as serological responses, clinical manifestations, or immune biomarkers. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for prevalence and intervention studies. A total of twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Most reported that targeted vaccination strategies—especially those adapted to individual immune profiles and regional disease prevalence—were more effective than standard, generalized vaccination protocols. Consistently, these approaches were associated with stronger antibody responses and reduced disease incidence. Several studies also emphasized the importance of appropriate booster timing and the use of combined antigens. Conclusion: Overall, the findings demonstrate that targeted vaccination programs provide superior immune protection against viral diseases in farm-bred horses compared with conventional schedules. Integrating these evidence-based strategies into equine health management practices is strongly recommended to enhance herd immunity and improve overall health outcomes.

کلیدواژه ها:

Immune resistance ، Equine viral diseases ، Farm-bred horses ، Systematic review ، Vaccination programs