The World Small Animal Veterinary Association guideline changes reflect the growing attitude that a one-size-fits-all approach is impractical. The guidelines redefine core vaccines from a global perspective and supports an adjustment to boosters based on scientific evidence, such as maternal anti-bodies.
Source: Veterinary Practice News, January 12, 2016.
. Compared with the 2010 guidelines, the updated document, released Jan. 6, 2016 offers:
- A greater understanding of maternally-derived antibodies (MDA) in puppies and kittens.
- An option to administer a booster vaccine to puppies and kittens at 6 months old instead of the previously recommended 12 months.
- Reclassification of the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) to noncore status.
- Expanded discussion of titer testing.
- Realization that many vaccines now carry a three- or four-year duration of immunity instead of a one-year minimum. In some countries, a manufacturer “has not applied for a change in its product label recommendations or … the national licensing authority has not permitted the change to be made,” the guidelines state.
INSIGHTS: Managing disease incidence in population requires a reduction in disease prevalence that sometimes seem counterintuitive to individual vaccinations. The reference to rabies vaccination based on prevalence in these guidelines concerns me. The section of FAQs is very interesting and will be valuable to veterinary teams and representatives who call on them. In the U.S., the AAHA Vaccination Guidelines (2011) are the standard.