Benefits of pet vaccination recognised by independent committee

A new report concludes that currently available dog and cat vaccines play a very valuable role in the prevention and control of major infectious diseases and strongly supports their use. The Report was published on 1February by the Veterinary Products Committee (VPC) Working Group on Feline and Canine Vaccination into the issues surrounding the routine vaccination of cats and dogs.

"We are pleased that the VPC has arrived at these conclusions," said David Sutton, chairman of the National Office of Animal Health’s companion animal vaccine group.

"The industry has been examining the use of vaccines in cats and dogs for a number of years and this independent expert report concurs with our own findings. It presents the issues in a balanced and scientific manner, which allows informed public debate amongst veterinary surgeons and pet owners," he added.

The VPC working group considered a number of issues including the incidence of adverse reactions. "NOAH has always accepted that adverse reactions can occur, as is the case with any medicine for animal or human use. However we are pleased with the overall conclusion that vaccination of dogs and cats should be considered both safe and effective in keeping our pets healthy," said Mr Sutton.

One area highlighted in the Report was that of feline injection site sarcomas. NOAH recognises this particular concern and has already been instrumental in setting up an interdisciplinary expert working group specifically looking into this issue.

The Report also found that there is insufficient information to propose booster intervals other than those recommended by the manufacturer and approved by the regulatory process. However, it emphasised the fact that vaccination should be an individual medical decision made by the vet in consultation with the owner and it recognised that the manufacturers' recommended regimes will be based on a minimum duration of immunity – rather than a maximum.

"NOAH fully supports this approach," commented Mr Sutton.

"There is much in the Report we need to consider. However, our initial view is that it is constructive and helpful. Vaccination plays a very valuable role in the control of major infectious diseases in cats and dogs and the Report strongly supports its continued use."

1 February 2002

Notes for Editors

1. For further information please contact Alison Glennon, tel +44 (0)20 8367 3131

2. The National Office of Animal Health was formed on 1 January 1986 to represent the UK companies which research, develop, manufacture and market licensed animal health products. The association now has 38 corporate members and 11 associate members. In 2000 NOAH's members accounted for around 95% of the £357 million UK animal health market, with additional valuable exports.

3. The Veterinary Products Committee is an independent expert committee which advises Ministers on the safety, quality and efficacy of veterinary medicines and promotes the collection and investigation of information relating to suspected adverse reactions to veterinary medicines.

4. NOAH has produced two briefing documents on vaccination: 'Vaccination of companion animals' and 'Dog vaccines: your questions answered'. See the issues section on vaccines for more information.