Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
infectious agents. In almost all cases, vaccinating at 8 and then again at
12 weeks of age is adequate.Vaccination at these times provides protec-
tive immunity to the disease agents in the vaccine.This immunity pro-
tects against most symptoms connected with the disease agents but may
not fully prevent infection. It can take up to 14 days after the vaccina-
tion for full immune function to develop. It is not known for sure how
long the protective immunity lasts after that.
Annual vaccinations for cats have long been veterinary standard
practice, and owners have been taught to vaccinate their pets each year.
However, in the 1990s the veterinary profession began to question the
need for annual vaccinations. This comes in light of new information
regarding the duration of immunity derived from vaccines, and adverse
vaccine reactions, including tumors, that may be associated with sites of
vaccination.
The vaccine manufacturers have recommended annual re-vaccination
based on studying the duration of immunity for a few weeks to months.
They have not been required by the USDA to determine longer durations
of immunity, except in the case of the rabies vaccine. Although rules have
changed for establishing minimums, maximum duration of immunity
studies are not required, so we do not know exactly how long a vaccine
will protect a cat.
HOW DISEASES
ARE SPREAD
Infectious agents are viruses, bacteria and fungi—microorganisms
capable of causing disease. Infectious agent exposure can occur by
many routes. Each agent has its own way of passing between cats.
Airborne infections are more likely to affect cats housed in board-
ing facilities, catteries or shelters. Diseases that are spread by direct
cat-to-cat exposure are more likely in cats who go outdoors, where
uncontrolled contact between cats can occur.
Introducing a new cat into your home also has the potential
to introduce infectious agents.This is especially true if the cat has
come from a cattery or shelter.To try to prevent problems, isolate
a new addition to the household for at least one week and have
her examined by a veterinarian before introducing her to your
other cats.