Veterinarians Confront a Human Problem: Anti-Vaxxers [View all]

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Researchers who have studied vaccine hesitancy since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic say a growing body of evidence shows a surprisingly high level of mistrust among pet owners over vaccines for cats and dogs. Almost 40% of dog owners believe that canine vaccines are unsafe, more than 20% believe these vaccines are ineffective and 30% consider them to be medically unnecessary, according to a new study published in the journal Vaccine.

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The resistance raises the risk that infectious diseases that are now well controlled could spread in canine and human populations. And while vaccine hesitancy is as old as vaccines themselves—the inventor of the smallpox vaccine in the 1790s was met with resistance—skepticism about shots has spread with the rise of social media and the internet. “We’re going to see more and more disease as we see vaccine compliance drop,” said Rena Carlson, a veterinarian and president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. “I saw a puppy come in with parvo and it was terrible. Vaccines can really prevent severe disease.” Parvovirus can cause lethargy, vomiting, bowel problems and a swift death.

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Misinformation and misperceptions are driving a lot of the skepticism, veterinarians say. Thirty-seven percent of dog owners believe vaccines could cause cognitive problems such as autism, according to the study in Vaccine. No scientific data exists that validates the risk for people or animals. Other reasons might include problems affording veterinary bills. Vaccine hesitancy is giving rise to books such as “Stop the Shots! Are Vaccinations Killing Our Pets?,” more interest in holistic veterinary practices, sessions for veterinarians about how to talk to pet owners who are leery of vaccines, and Facebook groups with hundreds of members who advocate limiting or not giving shots to pets.

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The American Animal Hospital Association, which sets canine-vaccination guidelines, says pets should receive core vaccines that are medically necessary, and some others based on the dog’s lifestyle, and that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks. The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends low-risk cats be vaccinated generally every three years with core vaccines.

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