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NOAH issues warning over ‘anti-vaxx’ movement
Vaccinations in dogs and cats fell by seven per cent from 2011-2017.
Vaccine hesitancy could give rise to serious preventable diseases

The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) is warning that the ‘anti-vaxx’ movement could give rise to deadly diseases in pets and humans alike, as pet owners become increasingly cautious about vaccinations.

Chief executive Dawn Howard said vaccination has “to some extent become a victim of its own success” as many pet owners no longer see preventable diseases such as parvovirus and canine distemper first hand, meaning they may not see vaccinations as necessary.

According to the latest figures from the PDSA Animal Wellbeing report, vaccinations in dogs and cats fell by seven per cent from 2011-2017. Furthermore, just 50 per cent of rabbits had received a primary vaccination in 2017 and only 55 per cent received annual boosters. NOAH said vaccine coverage is falling ‘dangerously low’ for achieving herd immunity.

Misconceptions surrounding vaccinations are another potential problem - for example, many owners believe indoor cats do not need vaccinations.

Anti-vaxx sentiment is also thought to be on the rise. In human medicine in the US, the anti-vaxx movement has prompted an emergency outbreak of measles in New York state. Measles cases rose sharply in the UK in 2018, mainly spreading from Europe, but particularly in teenagers who were not vaccinated when young.

“Vaccine hesitancy has been named by the World health Organisation (WHO) as one of the top 10 health threats of the year,” Ms Howard said. “It has been suggested by a leading vet that lack of uptake in the veterinary medicine sector could similarly increase the risk of previously eradicated or seldom seen diseases in our pets.”

It is also “important to understand and overcome” barriers to vaccination, she added. NOAH is urging pet owners to speak to their vet about the best way to protect their pet.

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New roadshow brings free flea and tick checks to dog owners

News Story 1
 A nationwide roadshow offering free, personalised parasite risk assessments and flea and tick checks will be visiting popular dog events across the UK.

The All About Dogs shows in Norfolk and Knebworth, will be among the first events to host MSD Animal Health's Big Parasite Check campaign, which aims to address common misconceptions and highlight the importance of year-round parasite protection.

A total of six dog-friendly events will feature the free clinics from summer through to winter. Full roadshow dates and locations are available on The Big Parasite Check map or through your local MSD Animal Health Representative.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'