Data on pet vaccine duration available

Sunday, March 27, 2005

Dr. Ronald Schultz of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine is one of the world's leading experts on veterinary vaccines, at the forefront of vaccine research.

He has conducted challenge studies since the 1970s to determine vaccines' immunity durations. His results form the scientific base for the American Animal Hospital Association's 2003 Canine Vaccine Guidelines.

In a March-April 2005 Animal Wellness article titled "Vaccination: Which Ones Do They REALLY NEED, and HOW OFTEN?" Ann Brightman reports, "Although AAHA recommends vaccinating against distemper every three years after the initial puppy shots, challenge studies have shown that the minimum duration of immunity can last five to seven years, and perhaps even longer. In fact, titers have indicated that dogs can be protected for nine to 15 years."

The article quotes Dr. Schultz: "To be honest, although canine distemper is a core vaccine, I think a dog only needs to receive it once in his life. The same goes for canine parvo and adenovirus-2. That's the vaccination program I've been practicing on my own dogs without any difficulty whatsoever. We've never had a vaccine-preventable disease occur."

At February's public hearing on Rep. Peter Rines' LD 429 -- An Act to Require Veterinarians to Provide Vaccine Disclosure Forms -- veterinarians complained that clients are confused by the kind of information cited above, which conflicts with their vaccine recommendations.

This confusion is easily remedied. Pet owners who want a copy of AAHA's 2003 Canine Vaccine Guidelines should request that their veterinarians obtain a copy for them by calling the American Animal Hospital Association at (303) 986-2800, 12575 W. Bayand Ave., Lakewood, Co. 80228.

Then pet owners can have a frank discussion with their veterinarians about why their animals are vaccinated more often than challenge studies prove should be necessary.

Kris L. Christine

Alna