The anti-vaccination movement is spreading to pets

The anti-vaccination movement not only threatens human health—as evidenced by the measles outbreak currently ravaging the United States—but could also, according to the AVMA, have devastating effects on pets if this ideology gains ground in veterinary medicine.  Refusing to vaccinate children has become the latest trend in the United States since a study claimed to have found a link between the measles vaccine and autism. Despite a subsequent scientifically substantiated refutation, the damage has been done: many American parents are choosing not to vaccinate their children. U.S. health authorities, concerned about the resurgence of this highly contagious viral infection, have issued an alert and are asking parents to reconsider their stance, which endangers not only their children’s lives but also those of others. For some doctors, the line between individual freedom and public health has been crossed, and they believe that measles vaccination should be mandatory. Similarly, unvaccinated pets pose a threat to other animals, especially young ones that are not yet fully protected, or those that cannot be vaccinated due to preexisting health conditions. Vaccination is the primary factor that has enabled the United States to eradicate canine rabies, as well as to significantly reduce the prevalence of deadly diseases such as canine distemper, parvovirosis, and feline panleukopenia. However, this progress could easily be reversed for the same reasons that are currently allowing measles to spread across the United States. Currently, numerous vaccines are available in veterinary medicine to combat infections caused by pathogens. Some can reduce the severity of a disease, while others completely prevent infection. In cases such as rabies, vaccinating pets also helps protect humans from the disease. Like any medication or medical procedure, vaccination carries some risks, which should be discussed with pet owners. Adverse effects can vary in severity, but most (fever, loss of appetite, etc.) are rare, mild, and resolve quickly. For the majority of pets, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. To counter the new anti-vaccination trend, American veterinarians now offer their clients the option to tailor the vaccination protocol to each animal’s specific needs. Beyond the core vaccines—recommended for all dogs and cats—and those required by law, other vaccines are scheduled based on the animal’s age, health status, and lifestyle.