Vets are speaking out against pet owners who fail to vaccinate their animals as new studies found that millions of pets are now vulnerable to infection, according to a UK animal charity.
This dramatic number could mean that over 7 million pets could be vulnerable to potentially fatal diseases, the charity reported.
These findings — which came from a survey of 5,036 dog, cat and rabbit owners in the UK — have vets worried that anti-vaccination sentiments among humans might be affecting pets as well.
As the anti-vaccination movement in people has made waves, leadingthe Center for Disease Control to label anti-vaxxers as the top threat to global health, vets have expressed that they’re not surprised it’s affecting animals, too.
Sean Wensley, a PDSA senior vet, told the outlet that it is “extremely worrying” that so many pet owners are not vaccinating their animals, as “vaccinations have helped to protect millions of pets from serious diseases.”
“If people don’t vaccinate, we risk seeing a rise in extremely unpleasant, preventable, diseases that can cause considerable animal suffering and death.”
While pet owners have their reasons for not vaccinating — such as high costs, it not being necessary, or stressful vet visits — Dos Santos added that “vaccination is vital in protecting pets from preventable and potentially fatal diseases that can be devastating for families.”
Even more, vaccinating pets keep humans healthier too.
According toTufts School of Veterinary Medicine, vaccinations are designed to protect both pets and pet parents.
Some diseases, such as rabies, are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to people. Vaccinating your pet helps reduce the risk of human infection, particularly in more vulnerable family members like young children, the elderly and immunosuppressed individuals in your household.
source: people.com
