An in-depth discussion about pet vaccination, which definitely overturns the idea that a pet should be vaccinated annually with both core and non-core vaccines.
Dr Karen Becker interviews Dr Ronald Schultz from the University of Wisconsin, Madison school of Veterinary Science:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1Xd5ghnlJ4
(53 minutes)
This seems to be a very level-headed and sound approach to a controversial subject.
Annual Rabies vaccination is of course, the law in many states in the U.S. so even if immunity were proven, the vaccine would still be mandatory. But fortunately there is on-going research in this field which might at some future date, cause a change in the law.
But yearly vaccination of both core and non-core vaccines is unnecessary, and Dr Schultz explains why. Yet 60% of U.S. veterinarians still opt for yearly vaccinations! Simply because it is recomended by the manufacturer!
In the UK I hazard a guess that the percentage is even higher. Here, "titer testing" is almost unheard of.
Testing a pet's "titer" (or presence of immunity) yearly, as I did with my own dog - is the safest way to go. This is more expensive than the regular vaccinations, and has to be budgeted for, but is certainly healthier for the animal. However, the cost is not excessive. I used to pay £120 to have Misty titer tested, as opposed to a £48 or so bill. (That is only a guideline, as costs go up year to year.)
Dr Karen Becker interviews Dr Ronald Schultz from the University of Wisconsin, Madison school of Veterinary Science:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1Xd5ghnlJ4
(53 minutes)
This seems to be a very level-headed and sound approach to a controversial subject.
Annual Rabies vaccination is of course, the law in many states in the U.S. so even if immunity were proven, the vaccine would still be mandatory. But fortunately there is on-going research in this field which might at some future date, cause a change in the law.
But yearly vaccination of both core and non-core vaccines is unnecessary, and Dr Schultz explains why. Yet 60% of U.S. veterinarians still opt for yearly vaccinations! Simply because it is recomended by the manufacturer!
In the UK I hazard a guess that the percentage is even higher. Here, "titer testing" is almost unheard of.
Testing a pet's "titer" (or presence of immunity) yearly, as I did with my own dog - is the safest way to go. This is more expensive than the regular vaccinations, and has to be budgeted for, but is certainly healthier for the animal. However, the cost is not excessive. I used to pay £120 to have Misty titer tested, as opposed to a £48 or so bill. (That is only a guideline, as costs go up year to year.)
