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Government recognises the benefits of pet vaccination

DEFRA has confirmed the conclusion reached by an independent expert group report: 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. DEFRA’s response to the report produced by the Veterinary Products Committee (VPC) Working Group on Feline and Canine Vaccination in February 2002, into the issues surrounding the routine vaccination of cats and dogs, was published on 3 July.

“We were pleased that the VPC arrived at these conclusions, and it is extremely satisfying to see them get official Government approval,” said David Sutton, chairman of the National Office of Animal Health’s companion animal vaccine group.

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. DEFRA rejected the recommendation contained in the Report that a generic warning should be placed on the product literature for all feline vaccines administered by injection. They said that there was insufficient evidence linking particular products or particular types of products to the subsequent development of a fibrosarcoma to justify this. Nevertheless, NOAH recognises the concern on feline injection site sarcomas and has already been instrumental in setting up an interdisciplinary expert working group specifically looking into this issue. “We support the publication of the CVMP advice to veterinary surgeons, issued earlier this year, and will work towards a better understanding of the epidemiology and causes of this condition in the UK,” added Mr Sutton.

“We look forward to working with others involved with the health of companion animals to take these recommendations forward. 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.”

8 July 2003

Notes for Editors

  1. For further information contact Phil Sketchley or Alison Glennon at NOAH, tel. +44 (0)20 8367 3131, or visit the NOAH website.

  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 has 32 corporate members and 14 associate members. In 2002 NOAH's members accounted for well over 90% of the £389 million UK animal health market.

  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. For more information on vaccination of companion animals, see NOAH briefing documents 'Vaccination of Companion Animals' and 'Dog vaccines - your questions answered'.