Currently, the majority of states in the U.S. regulate the administration of rabies vaccinations to domesticated animals, including dogs, cats and ferrets. The required frequency of these vaccinations varies from state to state, with some requiring boosters (an additional dose of the vaccine administered to “boost” the immune system) be given annually or every three years. Since protection from rabies resulting from the vaccine has been documented to last at least three years, and it is known that domestic animals account for less than 10% of reported rabies cases, questions regarding the need and safety of such frequent vaccines have come into play.
So, what exactly is the rabies vaccine? The vaccine protects the recipient against rabies infection. Rabies is a viral disease that is transmitted through the saliva of an infected mammal, most commonly via a bite to another mammal (humans included). It attacks the central nervous system, causing neurological symptoms such as cerebral dysfunction, anxiety, confusion and delirium. Rabies is 100% fatal in dogs and cats, with no treatment available.
Okay, then rabies vaccines are good for my pets, right? Yes, the most effective way to prevent the disease is by vaccinating domesticated animals, especially dogs and cats. But, what you might not know is vaccination against the rabies virus is occasionally associated with debilitating adverse effects, such as seizures, chronic digestive disorders, cancer at the injection site, and skin diseases. There are concerns amongst the veterinary community that the current law for rabies boosters may simply be overkill. For example, current law requires an entire vial be injected into a pet to be recognized as “vaccinated,” whether the pet be a tiny Chihuahua or an extra-large Great Dane. And both the 1-year and 3-year vaccines contain essentially the same amount of rabies antigen material and potency.
Organizations such as the Rabies Challenge Fund Charitable Trust have created a goal of aligning the current law with the science behind the vaccines, working to extend the required interval for rabies boosters to five and then seven years. It is their platform that scientific data proves vaccinating every three years is unnecessary and causes undue danger for pets.
The Bottom Line. Scientific research has found that over-vaccination can cause harmful effects in our canine companions. The rabies vaccine is the most potent of the veterinary vaccines and is associated with significant adverse reactions, but it is also the most effective method in preventing the disease in animals. With research geared toward adjusting intervals between vaccines, as required by current law, there is hope that our beloved pets can have the best of both worlds – protection against rabies and protection for their well-being.
