Hmmmm......rabies vaccine silliness

Willowy

I recently trapped and spayed/neutered/vaccinated some of the feral cats I've been feeding. I used a vet I've used before (he's the exotics vet, so the ferrets and tortoises have seen him), but not my regular dog/cat vet. This is because he's used to handling wild animals, and has all the proper equipment.

Anyway, on their paperwork, it says this (not exact wording; I don't have it with me): "The rabies vaccine we have given your pet has been clinically proven to confer immunity for at least 3 years. However, because of the rabies epidemic in the area, we recommend that you have your pet vaccinated every year".

OK, what?!?!? If it's PROVEN to confer 3-year immunity, WHAT benefit could possibly be derived from giving it more often?? Well, of course I can think of reasons ($$$) they would want to do that, but their logic totally escapes me. Silliness, I say . I wonder how many people fall for that one.

craven.44

Wow that is weird. Where do you live? Is there really an "epidemic"?

Willowy

In a small town in a rural area in South Dakota

I don't think I'd call it an epidemic. There's always the chance that any given raccoon, fox, or skunk will have rabies. There's a few dog and cat cases every year....last year someone in town picked up a rabid puppy from a farm, and the entire trailer park had to be vaccinated (all the neighbor kids loved on the pup).

I found this chart (from 2001, but still):

South Dakota Rabies Cases (2001)

All animal cases 58

Domestic animals 13

Wild animals 45

Domestic animals diagnosed with rabies (South Dakota 2001)

Dogs 1

Cats 4

Cattle 7

Horses/ mules 1

Sheep/goats 0

Swine 0

Other Domestic 0

Wild animals diagnosed with rabies (South Dakota 2001)

Skunks 34

Foxes 0

Bats 11

Raccoons 0

Rodents/ rabbits 0

Other wild animals 0

Human Rabies (South Dakota 2001) = none


So, no, I can't say it's at epidemic proportions. But that's not the point....if the vaccine definitely gives 3-year immunity, what's the point in giving it more often, no matter how common rabies is in the area? I should ask that vet sometime, LOL.

poodleholic

I wouldn't allow a 3-yr. Rabies vaccine to be given annually.

Patt

I think that's quite a few rabies cases (maybe more than normal), but certainly not an epidemic. I'm thinking they are doing a "CYA" just to protect themselves.

myminpins

I think that's ridiculous. I'd not do that for sure. I could guess why they may say that but I won't.

cshellenberger

Because IF an animal is EXPOSED to rabies thay HAVE to get a booster. Rabies is a virus there for it can change and the vaccine may not give 100% immunity. If you have an epidemic in the area, it may give you pet stronger protection if you do the vaccine more often.

Patt

Now that explains it. Thanks for the info.

myminpins

If you live in an area where rabies is very common, I think you should get the one year shot every year - it's probably the safest bet so that you don't overdose the dog.

Willowy

The "one year" rabies vaccine and the "three year" rabies vaccine are EXACTLY the same thing.......

But that does make sense that giving the vaccine every year would cover it if the animal was exposed without the owner's knowlege. But still......considering the rabies vaccine challenge info, it just seems unnecessary. I've known several farm dogs that were given ONE rabies vaccine when they were spayed at 6 months, then never again, were exposed to rabid skunks on a regular basis, and never contracted rabies. Not that I recommend taking risks on that kind of thing .

lulusmom

If an animal is exposed to rabies and it's immunization history is not known, a rabies booster should be given immediately. Giving a rabies booster to a pet that is already immune does not give greater immunity because the prior immunity will wipe out the virus in the vaccine. It can, however, cause any number of adverse reactions and future health problems for the pet.

I have two dogs with cushing's and hypothyroidism. Luckily, they treat with an internal medicine specialist that said NO MORE VACCINES! I got a waiver which the county accepted so they will never have another vaccine for as long as they live. I can't help but wonder if vaccines weren't the greatest contributing factor to their chronic illnesses.

http://www.dogs4dogs.com/truth4dogs.html

agility collie mom

My guess would be that after the puppy with the rabies they are being cautious. Rabies is one vaccine that not only protects your dog but protects you also. If by chance your dog would bite someone and does not have a current rabies vaccine the dog would be quarantined and possibly euthanized. Unless you have a statement form your vet that because of health issues the pet cannot be vaccinated. Rabies is deadly for both our pets and us. This is one vaccine I would not go without until proven otherwise. The risks are just too great.

http://www.vaccineinformation.org/ph...abicdc010a.jpg


http://www.vaccineinformation.org/photos/rabicdc009.jp

txcollies

There's no difference between the 1 yr and the three year.

It's insanity, yes. They don't need them every year, I highly doubt they need them every 3 yrs, either.