1stFebruary 2002
A new report concludes thatcurrently available dog and cat vaccines play a very valuable role in theprevention and control of major infectious diseases and strongly supports theiruse. The Report was published today by the Veterinary Products Committee (VPC)Working Group on Feline and Canine Vaccination into the issues surrounding theroutine vaccination of cats and dogs.
We are pleased that the VPC hasarrived at these conclusions, said David Sutton, chairman of the NationalOffice of Animal Healths companion animal vaccine group.
The industry has been examiningthe use of vaccines in cats and dogs for a number of years and this independentexpert report concurs with our own findings.It presents the issues in a balanced and scientific manner, which allowsinformed public debate amongst veterinary surgeons and pet owners, he added.
The VPC working group considered anumber of issues including the incidence of adverse reactions. NOAH has alwaysaccepted that adverse reactions can occur, as is the case with any medicine foranimal or human use. However we arepleased with the overall conclusion that vaccination of dogs and cats should beconsidered both safe and effective in keeping our pets healthy, said MrSutton.
One area highlighted in the Reportwas that of feline injection site sarcomas.NOAH recognises this particular concern and has already beeninstrumental in setting up an interdisciplinary expert working groupspecifically looking into this issue.
The Report also found that there isinsufficient information to propose booster intervals other than thoserecommended by the manufacturer and approved by the regulatory process. However, it emphasised the fact thatvaccination should be an individual medical decision made by the vet inconsultation with the owner and it recognised that the manufacturers'recommended regimes will be based on a minimum duration of immunity ratherthan a maximum.
NOAH fully supports thisapproach, commented Mr Sutton.
There is much in the Report weneed to consider. However, our initial view is that it is constructive andhelpful. Vaccination plays a veryvaluable role in the control of major infectious diseases in cats and dogs andthe Report strongly supports its continued use.
Ends
Notes for Editors
1. For further informationplease contact Alison Glennon, 020 8367 3131, or visit the NOAH website, www.noah.co.uk.
2. The National Office ofAnimal Health was formed on 1 January 1986 to represent the UK companies whichresearch, develop, manufacture and market licensed animal health products. Theassociation now has 38 corporate members and 11 associate members. In 2000NOAH's members accounted for around 95% of the 357 million UK animal healthmarket, with additional valuable exports.
3. The Veterinary ProductsCommittee is an independent expert committee which advises Ministers on thesafety, quality and efficacy of veterinary medicines and promotes thecollection and investigation of information relating to suspected adversereactions to veterinary medicines.
4. NOAH has produced twobriefing documents on vaccination: 'Vaccination of companion animals' and 'Dogvaccines: your questions answered'. Copies can be downloaded from the NOAHwebsite or are available on request from NOAH.