A peptide (Peptide-1) based on the C-terminal of Equine CC10 has been discovered that can be used as a vaccine to protect horses from respiratory airway obstruction (RAO). Antibodies to Peptide-1 may also be administered for short-term passive immunotherapy to RAO-affected horses, and can be used to measure the level of CC10 protein in serum to identify potential RAO horses (horses with reduced CC10). Due to similarities between equine RAO and human asthma, this peptide or its antibodies may also be useful in treatment or prevention of human asthma.