Vaccination of pets drops over financial woes

By Ray Ryan, Agribusiness Correspondent

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

THE number of pets not receiving a booster vaccination has increased in many households due to financial pressures.

As a result, immunity to disease is severely threatened among cats, dogs, rabbits and other pets.

However, an initiative has been launched to ease the cost burden on families of vaccinating their pets against various diseases.

Pet owners who have neglected to ensure regular vaccination of their pets are being encouraged to avail of an offer vaccination service between now and the end of November.

Dogs and cats that have not been vaccinated within the past 18 months will get the complete disease prevention course from their local veterinary clinic for the price of a single booster injection.

The initiative, which is being supported by Intervet Schering-Plough, means a saving of up to €30 to pet owners.

The offer also applies to rabbits and horses.

Natalie Barry, pet veterinarian at Intervet Schering Plough, said parvovirus and leptospirosis are the biggest disease threats in dogs.

"Both can be fatal and leptospirosis can be a risk to human health. Cat flu and enteritis are serious threats in non-vaccinated cats," she said.

To avail of the special offer, owners should bring their pets to participating veterinary clinics between now and the end of November.

The second visit for the booster vaccine should be made before December 31 for dogs and cats and before May 31, 2010, for rabbits.

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Tuesday, November 17, 2009