Global small-animal vaccine guidelines developed

NATIONAL REPORT — International companion-animal vaccine guidelines were developed by a World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) committee to help ensure effective care for pets around the world.

The Guidelines for the Vaccination of Dogs and Cats, developed by WSAVA's Vaccination Guidelines Group (VGG), provides fundamental concepts toward achieving a single goal: "We should aim to vaccinate every animal, and to vaccinate each individual less frequently," according to VGG.

While small-animal care capabilities vary widely throughout the world based on economics and culture, the VGG still recommends, if possible, that all dogs and cats be vaccinated to provide optimum 'herd immunity' that minimizes the likelihood of an outbreak of infectious diseases.

Mandatory core vaccinations include: canine distemper virus (CDV), canine adenovirus (CAV) and canine parvovirus (CPV). Those for felines are: feline parvovirus (FPV), feline calicivirus (FCV) and feline herpesvirus (FHV). Non-core and not recommended vaccines are identified, based on geographic location, exposure and lifestyle risks, along with encouragement to have pets checked annually.