Up to date with vaccinations

I’m concerned about the recent outbreak of rabies in some provinces, as well as other diseases. What can I do to protect my own dog?

Dr Alison Lubisi of Onderstepoort Veterinary

Research replies The intricate connection between human and animal health has come into sharp focus with the recent increase in the number of human rabies cases reported in SA. Rabies is endemic here and we’ve seen horrific cases, mostly fatal. By law, dogs and cats must get regular rabies shots, so make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date.

Certain shots are optional, but the core vaccines are mandatory for dogs and cats every year. These are combination jabs such as the DHPP for dogs, which protects them against canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus-2 (infectious canine hepatitis and kennel cough), canine parainfluenza virus and canine parvovirus (which affects puppies severely). Cats need to get a combination vaccine that protects them against feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus and feline panleukopenia virus.

It’s essential for pets to be vaccinated because disease-causing pathogens or germs spread quickly and are not only transmitted through direct contact. The germs causing kennel cough, for example, are also airborne. Disease-causing pathogens or germs can be in the soil, water, animal excretions, on the surfaces of utensils, in the air – anywhere.

Puppies and kittens should be vaccinated early to give them the best chance of survival, and thereafter once a year.

Much like human vaccines, animal vaccines require a huge amount of research, development and trials before they’re approved for commercial use. Educating the public about this health issue is critical. Animals need constant booster shots, or they might not be protected against new strains.

Globalisation and global warming are serious issues; we have seen how germs and diseases change their characteristics and behaviour over the years, sometimes even crossing between species.

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