WAUSAU, WI (WTAQ) – As a debate grows over childhood vaccinations, at least some folks don’t believe in vaccinating their pets, either.
That’s a dangerous stance to take, according to veterinarian Douglas Aspros of the American Veterinary Medical Association. He tells WSAU Radio in Wausau that pets can get a virus similar to measles — which we’re seeing in more children around the country.
He says canine distemper virus is very common — and because animals like raccoons carry it, it’s a risk for dogs. Also, many communities require proof of rabies vaccinations where dog and cat licenses are mandated.
Aspros says rabies’ vaccines for pets are the “first line of defense” in keeping their owners’ families safe. He says there are now good vaccines to protect horses and ferrets — but he cautions that there are some diseases which are not viral, and do not have effective vaccines.
That includes blastomycosis, when crops up in river valleys and has been a problem from time to time in central Wisconsin.
There’s a belief among many that vaccines like MMR for humans can cause autism. Doctors for humans and pets say the theory has been proven false — and the best way to prevent illnesses is to get people and pets immunized.
(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)
