Vaccinating the newborn foal is controversial. The foal gets all his initial resistance to disease from the mare’s first milk. His immune system is competent, it just hasn’t decided what is bad for the foal yet. Vaccinations may tie up some of the mare’s antibodies and actually make the foal more susceptible to infection. We know this does not happen with the tetanus vaccination, so it is safe at this time. Other vaccines are still not known. Usually the foal is well protected for the first 3 months. Best for the foal is to be sure the mare is vaccinated one month prior to birth, then the foal get his first vaccines at 3 months of age.
Another standard treatment is an enema for the foal. Standard Fleet enemas that are available at the drug store are used. It is true that most foals strain somewhat to pass their meconium for the first day, but few actually require treatment.
A lot of the common practices are of questionable value, but when carefully done are of minimal harm. The most important factor for preventing infections is a well vaccinated mare, healthy horses, and a clean, dry, environment. Even better than a clean stall is a good grassy pasture. Dusty or damp areas are to be avoided. The foal should be allowed pasture exercise as soon as practical.
