Vaccination Of Cats Research Articles

Musculoskeletal neoplasia: an important differential for lumps or lameness in the cat.

Musculoskeletal neoplasia is an uncommon but Important differential diagnosis for cats presenting with lameness, pain or swellings associated with bones and/or soft tissues. The most common tumours of soft tissue origin are the sarcomas (in particular feline injection site sarcomas [FISSs]); the most common bone tumour of the cat is osteosarcoma (OSA). FISSs present a clinical challenge in terms of their local invasiveness, difficulty in obtaining complete surgical excision and high risk of local recurrence. Axial and extraskeletal OSAs pose similar challenges, whereas appendicular OSA is usually easy to remove via limb amputation and can, therefore, carry a good prognosis in many cases. Cats of any age, gender or breed may be affected, although bone tumours predominantly affect middle- to old-aged cats. Vaccination of cats is of global importance in preventing feline diseases; hence, any possible significant consequences of vaccination such as neoplasia, even of a low incidence, are of huge concern to cat owners and veterinarians alike. This review is based on current literature relating to pathogenesis, pathology, presentation, diagnosis, staging, treatment and prognosis. It aims to summarise feline musculoskeletal neoplasia for clinicians in general practice.

The Implementation of Preventive Vaccination of Dogs and Cats against Rabies in Rural Areas

Rabies is a fatal viral infection that has no specific treatment. For that reason prevention, especially vaccinations against rabies, is the matter of the utmost importance. The study involved 176 dog owners (possessing 257 dogs) and 86 cat owners (possessing 182 cats) from rural areas in Lublin province. The special original inquiry questionnaire was applied. Results: Preventive vaccination of dogs against rabies is properly realized by only 64.8 ± 7 % dog owners (below the level recommended by WHO) and by only 19.8 ± 9.1 % of cat owners - inhabitants of rural areas in Lublin Province. 16.5 % of respondents confessed that they have never vaccinated their dogs against rabies. 48.3 ± 7.4 % of dog owners as well as 65.1 ± 10.1 % of cat owners don't have any veterinary health certificates for their animals. Conclusions: The standards of veterinary care as well as effectiveness of dogs and cats vaccinations against rabies in rural areas in Poland need to be improved.

Vaccination of dogs and cats: no longer so controversial?

Veterinary RecordVolume 168, Issue 18 p. 480-482 Research Vaccination of dogs and cats: no longer so controversial? M. J. Day BSc, BVMS, PhD, DSc, DiplECVP, FASM, FRCPath, FRCVS, Corresponding Author...

Development of a real-time reverse-transcription-PCR method for detection of RD114 virus in canine vaccines

It is known that certain feline cell lines, such as the Crandell-Rees feline kidney cell, produce an RD-114-like virus. As a feline endogenous retrovirus, RD114 virus, exists in the genome of all cats, it can be assumed that contamination with the virus in feline and canine live vaccines manufactured by culturing cells of feline origin occurs. To detect an infectious RD114 virus in vitro, a LacZ marker rescue assay has recently been established. In feline and canine live vaccines approved in Japan, feline cell lines are widely used to produce vaccines, especially those containing canine parvovirus components. The LacZ marker rescue assay detects infectious viral particles, but the real-time reverse-transcription-PCR detects both infectious and defective viruses. The canine live vaccines manufactured in cells of feline origin showed positive results for the env gene by the real-time reverse-transcription-PCR, including all of the 8 vaccines produced in feline cell lines that were negative in the LacZ marker rescue assay. In conclusion, the present investigation suggests that the newly developed method has the advantages of shorter time requirements and can be applied as a valuable screening method to detect RD114 viral RNA in vaccines.

Adjuvant Formulation for Companion Animals Vaccines

Companion animals are sensitive species able to strongly react to vaccine. Compared to farmanimals, owner’ s sensibility to vaccine safety is exacerbated due to emotional links between animal and owner. Adjuvant selection during vaccine development is a key parameter driving vaccine safety and efficacy profile. Our studies demonstrated the ability to use Montanide™ PetGel A (polymeric adjuvant manufactured under GMP rules) in cat, dog and horse vaccines. Adjuvants performances were highlighted by local and general safety parameters but also through vaccine efficacy to trigger a protective immune response against the pathogen. Three trials were performed to validate Montanide™ PetGel A compatibility with cats, dogs and horses vaccine models. Experimental vaccines were formulated using different antigens according to the animal: inactivated Rhodococcus equi (horse), purified ovalbumin (cat) Leptospira Icterohaemorrhagiae (dogs). In all trials, safety was followed through behavior and temperature measurement. Furthermore, in dog and cat models, histology studies were performed to assess the local reaction in the injection site. A kineticofblood sampling was performed in all trials. Antigen specific ELISAwas used to assess the immune response induced. In cat and dog trials, aluminiumbased formulation were used as benchmark for Montanide™ formulationwhile in horse we compare Montanide™ PetGel Abased vaccine to an already published internal reference. Safety performances ofMontanide™ Pet GelA were superior to aluminium based vaccines in dogs and cats. Transient oedemas were observed in horse vaccine model after each vaccine injection, nevertheless, no impact on the animal behaviorwas observed. The antibodies production induced by Montanide™ PetGel Abased vaccineswas higher than aluminiumbased vaccines or internal reference. Montanide™ PetGel A can be used associated with a wide range ofantigenic media and recommended to be used as adjuvant for sensitive animal’ s vaccines.

Contribución al estudio de clamidiasis felina en gatos domésticos de la ciudad de Santiago

The presence of Chlamydiae strains as a pathogenic agent in feline conjunctivitis was studied in samples obtained from 40 cats.About 50% of the samples were positive to Chlamydia psittaci using the immunofluorescence me­thod which seems to be an adequate technique.The most common pathogens associated with the ocular infection were Staphylococcus sp (44%), Streptococcus sp (29%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10%).The zoonotic condition of Chlamydia psittaci is important as a public health matter and because of this, the cat vaccination is highly recommended.

Contamination of infectious RD-114 virus in vaccines produced using non-feline cell lines

All domestic cats have a replication-competent endogenous retrovirus, termed RD-114 virus, in their genome and several feline cell lines produce RD-114 viruses. Recently, we found that a portion of live attenuated feline and canine vaccines produced using feline cell lines was contaminated with infectious RD-114 viruses. In this study, we expanded our survey and examined canine vaccines produced using ‘non-feline’ cell lines. Consequently, we found two vaccines containing RD-114 viral RNA by reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time RT-PCR. We also confirmed the presence of infectious RD-114 virus in the vaccines by the LacZ marker rescue assay and PCR to detect proviral DNA in TE671 cells (human rhabdomyosarcoma cells) inoculated with the vaccines. It is impossible to investigate the definitive cause of contamination with RD-114 virus; however, we suspect that a seed canine parvovirus type 2 was contaminated with RD-114 virus, because many canine parvoviruses have been isolated and attenuated using feline cell lines. To exclude RD-114 virus from live attenuated vaccines, we must pay attention to the contamination of seed viruses with RD-114 virus in addition to avoiding feline cell lines producing RD-114 virus when manufacturing vaccines.

Duration of immunity induced by companion animal vaccines

Concerns about possible adverse effects from annual vaccination have prompted the reanalysis of vaccine protocols for cats and dogs. In the last decade, several veterinary advisory groups have published protocols that recommend extended revaccination intervals for certain 'core' vaccines. In addition, practicing veterinarians have been asked to consider vaccination as an individualized medical procedure, based on an analysis of risks and benefits for each vaccine in an individual animal. The calls for extended revaccination intervals prompted considerable debate in USA and internationally. Areas of concern include the amount of evidence to support prolonged immunity from various vaccines, the risk of poor responses in individual animals and the possible effects on population immunity. This review examines how the duration of immunity (DOI) to a vaccine is established in animals and humans. It reviews factors that can affect the DOI in an individual animal, including the types of immune defenses stimulated by the pathogen, and the vaccine, host factors such as age and the level of exposure to the pathogen. In addition, it examines DOI studies that were published for canine and feline core vaccines.

Use of a web-based questionnaire to explore cat owners' attitudes towards vaccination in cats

This study aimed to develop a better understanding of factors involved in cat owners' decisions related to vaccination and to explore their views and knowledge of vaccination. Data were collected...

WSAVA Guidelines for the Vaccination of Dogs and Cats

WSAVA Guidelines for the Vaccination of Dogs and Cats

Cross-clade immunity in cats vaccinated with a canarypox-vectored avian influenza vaccine

Several felid species have been shown to be susceptible to infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of the H5N1 subtype. Infection of felids by H5N1 HPAI virus is often fatal, and cat-to-cat transmission has been documented. Domestic cats may then be involved in the transmission of infection to other animals but also to humans. A particular concern is the hypothetical role of the cat in the adaptation of the virus to mammalian species, thus increasing the pandemic risk. Therefore, the development of a HPAI vaccine for domestic cats should be considered a veterinary and also a public health priority. Here we show that vaccination of cats with a recombinant canarypox (ALVAC ® 1 ) virus, expressing the hemagglutinin (HA) of influenza virus A/chicken/Indonesia/03 (H5N1) confers protection against challenge infection with two antigenically distinct H5N1 virus isolates from humans. Despite low hemagglutination inhibiting (HI) antibody titers at the time of challenge, all vaccinated cats were protected against mortality and had reduced histopathological changes in the lungs. Importantly, viral shedding was reduced in vaccinated cats as compared to controls, suggesting that vaccination of cats could reduce the risk of viral transmission. In conclusion this study showed that the recombinant canarypox virus protected cats against homologous and heterologous H5N1 HPAI virus challenges.

The hitchhiker's guide to dog and cat vaccination

The hitchhiker's guide to dog and cat vaccination

WSAVA Guidelines for the Vaccination of Dogs and Cats

WSAVA Guidelines for the Vaccination of Dogs and Cats

Immunogenicity of Avian H5N1 Influenza Virus Recombinant Vaccines in Cats

Domesticated cats can be infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus and potentially can be vector or reservoir hosts in an influenza pandemic. We examined the immunogenicity of the hemagglutinin (HA) of H5N1strain VN/1203/04 in cats. ELISAs showed that a single dose of recombinant H5 HA protein can induce a robust antibody response against both whole inactivated virus and recombinant HA antigen. A marked increase in hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers was also observed in sera from cats given a single dose of the H5 HA protein. However, cats given the commercial H5N1 vaccine required 2 doses before increased H5 HA‐specific antibody titers were observed. Despite boosting, cats receiving the commercial H5N1 vaccine had HI titers lower than those given one injection of recombinant protein. Cats vaccinated with plasmid DNA encoding HA failed to develop HA‐specific antibody responses. Finally, sera from cats that received the protein vaccine neutralized wild type H5N1 influenza virus (VN/120304). The results of this study indicate that recombinant H5 HA protein‐based vaccines may be more effective that either inactivated influenza virus or DNA vaccines in cats.

Immunogenicity of Avian H5N1 Influenza Virus Recombinant Vaccines in Cats

Confirmed reports of large domesticated cats becoming infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus have raised questions about both the risk of infection for these animals, and their potential as vector or reservoir hosts in an influenza pandemic. With this in mind, we examined the immunogenicity of the hemagglutinin (HA) of H5N1 strain A/Vietnam/1203/04 using several different vaccination strategies. Data from ELISA assays showed that vaccination with a single dose of recombinant H5 HA protein induces a robust antibody response against both whole inactivated virus and recombinant HA antigen. Moreover, a single dose of the recombinant H5 HA protein induced hemagglutination inhibition titers >or=40, which is indicative of protective immunization. Cats receiving the IND H5N1 vaccine required two doses before similar H5 HA-specific antibody titers were observed, and despite boosting, these animals had HIA titers that were lower than or equivalent to those in the group receiving one injection of recombinant protein. In contrast, cats vaccinated with plasmid DNA encoding HA failed to develop HA-specific antibody responses above those seen in cohorts receiving an unrelated control plasmid. The results of this study indicate that recombinant H5 HA protein-based vaccines can rapidly induce high serum antibody titers, and may be more effective than either inactivated influenza virus or DNA vaccines in cats.

Feline vaccination protocols: is a consensus emerging?

Three international panels have been established over the past 11 years to provide veterinarians with guidelines on the use of feline vaccines. These are the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) Feline Vaccine Advisory Panel, the World Small Animal Association Vaccine Guidelines Group (WSAVA VGG) and the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD). The major recommendations of these three panels are summarised to show areas of agreement and areas of discrepancy. While the recommendations of the three groups are not fully aligned, all agree that core vaccines (those that every cat should receive) include panleucopenia virus (FPV), calicivirus (FCV) and herpesvirus (FHV-1) (with the addition of rabies virus where it is endemic or mandated by law). All the panels also recommend booster vaccination for the three core vaccines at intervals of more than one year in many situations (up to every three years for FCV and FHV-1 after the first booster, and at intervals no more frequently than every three years for FPV after the first booster), in view of the studies evaluating the duration of immunity for these vaccines. Precise recommendations vary though, and further studies are needed to provide additional information to clarify areas of discrepancy and further refine recommendations for the future. Ultimately the aim should be to vaccinate cats less frequently (based on a knowledge of the true duration of immunity conferred by vaccination), but to vaccinate more cats (and ideally every cat).

Brote de rabia urbana transmitida por perros en el distrito de Santa Marta, Colombia, 2006-2008

An urban rabies outbreak occurred in the District of Santa Marta between April 2006 and January 2008, which resulted in the deaths of 4 humans and 28 dogs. Three objectives were entertained-first, the diagnostic laboratory techniques were described as well as the rabies control actions taken; second, the impact of anti-rabies dog vaccination was assessed in terms of neutralizing antibody seroconversion; and third, the epidemiological significance and public health implications of the outbreak were examined. Rabies diagnosis was achieved by direct immunofluorescence, inoculation of mice and immunohistochemistry. Typing of the virus was achieved by indirect immunofluorescence. Control activities included a dog population census, vaccination and treatments for persons exposed to rabies, mass vaccination of dogs and cats, and initiation of a community education program. Seroconversion was investigated by capture ELISA. Antigenic variant 1 was detected in all cases. Of vaccinated dogs, 77% were seropositive, and 47% were seroprotected against rabies. No differences were found in the humoral response between dog gender; however significant differences in dog seroprotection were discovered between localized comunities in Santa Marta. The 2006-2008 urban rabies outbreak was the largest reported in a city in Colombia. It was caused by rabid dogs, and demonstrated that these animals are still a threat for human health despite the existence of efficient rabies vaccines. The control of the outbreak was achieved 20 months after the first rabies case in dogs, and 14 months after the initiation of the first mass vaccination of animals. The necessity of implementation and maintenance of rabies control strategies is underlined for minimizing human risk.

Feline rabies. ABCD guidelines on prevention and management.

Rabies virus belongs to the genus Lyssavirus, together with European bat lyssaviruses 1 and 2. In clinical practice, rabies virus is easily inactivated by detergent-based disinfectants. Rabid animals are the only source of infection. Virus is shed in the saliva some days before the onset of clinical signs and transmitted through a bite or a scratch to the skin or mucous membranes. The average incubation period in cats is 2 months, but may vary from 2 weeks to several months, or even years. Any unexplained aggressive behaviour or sudden behavioural change in cats must be considered suspicious. Two disease manifestations have been identified in cats: the furious and the dumb form. Death occurs after a clinical course of 1-10 days. A definitive rabies diagnosis is obtained by post-mortem laboratory investigation. However, serological tests are used for post-vaccinal control, especially in the context of international movements. Post-exposure vaccination of cats depends on the national public health regulations, and is forbidden in many countries. A single rabies vaccination induces a long-lasting immunity. Kittens should be vaccinated at 12-16 weeks of age to avoid interference from maternally derived antibodies and revaccinated 1 year later. Although some vaccines protect against virulent rabies virus challenge for 3 years or more, national or local legislation may call for annual boosters.

Vaccination in Cats and Dogs—Current Thinking

I clearly remember, as a child, my first dog nearly dying of canine parvovirus (CPV) before vaccines against this illness became available and, working in Belfast in the 1980s, I saw cases of canine distemper virus (CDV) on a daily basis. Ten years later, whilst working in France, leptospirosis was not uncommon and, here in the UK today, we still see occasional cases of feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpesvirus (FHV), feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), Chlamydophila felis, CPV and ‘kennel cough’.

One Health continuing medical education: an avenue for advancing interdisciplinary communication on One Health issues

JAVMA, Vol 234, No. 11, June 1, 2009 C ago, prominent members of the medical community recognized the link between the health of humans and that of other animals. Although there was considerable collaboration between practitioners of human and veterinary medicine in the late 19th century, particularly with regard to education and research, there are limited collaborative efforts in place today. Globalization of economies, emerging infectious diseases, and bioterrorism are rapidly changing the needs of public health and medical education. Of particular concern to both the human and veterinary medical professions is the threat of zoonotic diseases from livestock, companion animals, and wildlife. The encroachment of housing developments into rural areas has brought people and domestic animals into greater contact with wildlife diseases. With a growing number of US households owning at least one pet, millions of families are placed at further risk, albeit limited in proportion to the risks of other contagious diseases. Via contamination of the food and water supplies with pathogens such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia spp, close contact with live animals is no longer required for humans to develop zoonotic diseases. Millions of consumers in the United States are at risk of developing serious health problems from improperly handled meat, poultry, and egg products. Many zoonoses are preventable through public education programs that target simple measures to reduce disease transmission, such as proper hand washing after handling pets, vaccination of dogs and cats against rabies, routine screening of pets for zoonotic parasites, and observation of leash laws. However, it can be difficult for veterinarians to provide appropriate guidance for several reasons: appointment time is often too limited to discuss all relevant issues with clients, certain pet owners may never seek veterinary care for their animals, and the public does not generally perceive veterinarians to be a source of information on human health. In a research study of parents’ and pediatricians’ knowledge of pet-associated hazards, most parents obtained information regarding animal disease from magazines, newspapers, and television, whereas only 5% (11/231) sought advice from a veterinarian. Physicians and nurses may therefore be the only sources One Health continuing medical education: an avenue for advancing interdisciplinary communication on One Health issues