Pet ownership comes with the responsibility of ensuring the health and well-being of our furry companions. One crucial aspect of pet care is vaccination, which plays a vital role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and safeguarding the overall health of dogs and cats. In this article, we will explore the importance of vaccination for both dogs and cats, the common vaccines recommended, and the benefits they provide.
Why Vaccination Matters:
1.2 Public Health:
Some diseases that affect dogs and cats can be transmitted to humans, posing a risk to public health. Rabies is a prime example, and vaccination not only protects your pet but also helps prevent the spread of the disease to humans.
1.3 Cost-Effective Healthcare:
Prevention is often more cost-effective than treating a disease once it has taken hold. Regular vaccinations can save pet owners from expensive veterinary bills associated with treating illnesses that could have been prevented through vaccination
2. Type of vaccinesÂ
In Singapore, veterinary guidelines categorize vaccines into two main types: core and non-core.Â
2.1 Canine Vaccination
2.1.1 Core Vaccines:
Core vaccines are considered essential for all dogs and cats in Singapore, irrespective of their circumstances or geographical location. These vaccines offer protection against severe, life-threatening diseases known to be present in the region. In Singapore, the core vaccines cover the following diseases:
Canine Distemper (CD)
Canine Adenovirus (CAV) - Types 1 and 2
Canine Parvovirus (CPV)
These vaccines are particularly essential when dogs interact with others of unknown health and vaccination status, preventing the spread of infectious diseases. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of canine core vaccines recommended in Singapore and explore the risks associated with each.
2.1.1.1 Canine Parvovirus:
Canine parvovirus, comprising variants CPV-2a, CPV-2b, and CPV-2c, is a highly contagious pathogen that poses a significant threat to unvaccinated dogs. Transmission occurs through direct or indirect contact with infected feces, making puppies under 20 weeks of age particularly vulnerable. The virus can survive for months in warm environments, making proper vaccination crucial.
While there is no specific study on the prevalence of canine parvovirus in Singapore, local veterinary practices have reported cases. Studies in Asian countries suggest that CPV-2a and CPV-2b are predominant, with the emergence of CPV-2c. This strain has been detected in Singapore, raising concerns about potential transmission from domestic and stray dogs to wild animals.
Risk Factors:
Outdoor environments, high-density dog facilities, and events with large gatherings of dogs pose a higher risk of exposure. Smuggled and stray dogs with unknown vaccination status are also considered high-risk factors.
2.1.1.2 Canine Distemper Virus:
Canine distemper virus (CDV) is another formidable foe, transmitted through body fluids and inhalation. Puppies under 20 weeks old are most susceptible, but unvaccinated dogs of all ages can be affected. The virus, prevalent worldwide, can survive for a few hours in the environment. CDV has been reported by local veterinary practices in Singapore, emphasizing the importance of vaccination.
Risk Factors:
Similar to canine parvovirus, the risk factors for canine distemper virus include outdoor environments, high-density dog facilities, and large gatherings of dogs.
2.1.1.3 Canine Adenovirus:
Canine adenovirus, comprising CAV-1 and CAV-2, presents unique challenges. CAV-1 causes infectious canine hepatitis (ICH), transmitted through direct contact, while CAV-2, associated with canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), is transmitted through the air. Puppies under one year old are most commonly affected. Incidences of ICH have been reported in Japan, India, China, and Thailand, with no specific study on prevalence in Singapore.
Risk Factors:
Refer to Canine Parvovirus – risk factors.
These diseases are known to pose significant health risks to pets and are prevalent in the local environment. Core vaccines are fundamental to providing a baseline level of immunity against these potentially deadly infections.
3. Vaccination Schedule:
3.1 Puppy Vaccination Series:
The initiation of core vaccinations is a crucial step in a puppy's health journey. The recommended schedule begins at 6 - 8 weeks of age, with subsequent boosters administered every 2 - 4 weeks until the pup reaches 16 weeks of age or older. Veterinarians play a vital role in advising on the appropriate timing, considering factors such as the presence of other animals, their vaccination status, and the likelihood of virus exposure.
Note: Early vaccinations within the 6 – 8 week age range may face challenges in inducing adequate immunity due to maternal antibody interference. Veterinarians should carefully assess the puppy's situation before recommending the optimal vaccination time.
3.2 Adult Vaccination Series:
Once the puppy vaccination series is completed, the first adult booster is crucial and should be administered within 1 year following the last dose in the initial vaccination series. This booster is especially important for puppies that may not have responded adequately to the earlier vaccines.
3.3. For adult dogs receiving regular vaccinations:
Core vaccines in Singapore are registered for annual booster intervals after the initial puppy vaccinations. However, emerging evidence suggests that certain vaccine products may confer longer immunity. Veterinarians, after assessing the dog's lifestyle and risks, may recommend off-label booster intervals, duly documented in medical records. Serological testing can be employed to assess immunity levels and guide booster recommendations.
3.4. For adult dogs with irregular vaccination history:
Dogs that completed the puppy vaccination series but have irregular adult vaccination records require a single dose of modified live, core vaccines to induce protective immunity.
3.5. For adult dogs with unknown vaccination history:
Adult dogs with an unknown vaccination history should receive two initial doses of modified live, core vaccines 2 - 4 weeks apart to establish protective immunity.
2.2.1 Non-core vaccines
In addition to core vaccines, Singapore recognizes the importance of non-core vaccines in addressing specific health risks for dogs. Non-core vaccines, including leptospirosis, rabies, canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC or kennel cough), and canine coronavirus. Understanding these vaccines and their associated risks can empower pet owners to make informed decisions about their dog's health.
2.2.1.1 Leptospirosis:
Leptospirosis, caused by Leptospira spp., is a zoonotic disease with bacteria shed in the urine of infected animals. Transmission occurs through direct or indirect contact with infected urine. Leptospirosis is a notifiable disease in Singapore, and though no prevalence study exists, local serovars have been reported.
Recommendation:
While classified as a non-core vaccine, the Working Group suggests vaccination for dogs with outdoor exposure or potential contact with infected animals. Given incomplete knowledge of local serovar prevalence, the Working Group recommends raising awareness, reporting cases, and conducting more studies for a comprehensive understanding.
3.1.1 Vaccination Schedule:
3.1.1.1 Puppy Vaccination Series:
Initial vaccination at 6 - 9 weeks, with a second dose 2 - 4 weeks later.
3.1.1.2 Adult Vaccination Series:
Annual revaccination for dogs at risk due to potential exposure.
3.1.1.3 Rabies:
Rabies, caused by the rabies virus, is a deadly disease transmitted through bites or scratches. Singapore has been rabies-free since 1953, with precautionary measures to prevent its reintroduction.
Recommendation:
As the risk is low in Singapore, rabies vaccination is non-core unless the pet is traveling overseas.
2.2.1.2 Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC):
CIRDC, or kennel cough, results from various bacterial and viral organisms and is highly contagious. Transmission occurs through respiratory secretions, with higher risks in crowded environments.
Recommendation:
Considered non-core, kennel cough vaccines are recommended for dogs in high-density facilities or events. Vaccination is generally given at 6 - 8 weeks, with annual revaccination if risks persist.
2.2.1.3 Canine Coronavirus:
Canine coronavirus causes mild gastrointestinal disease and is transmitted through contact with infected feces, primarily affecting young puppies.
Recommendation:
While not required based on disease characteristics, canine coronavirus vaccines are available in combination with other vaccines in Singapore.
2.1 Feline core vaccines:
2.1.1 Feline Parvovirus (FPV):
Feline parvovirus, also known as feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), poses a significant threat to unvaccinated cats of all ages. The virus is shed in all body secretions of infected cats, with transmission occurring through indirect contact with contaminated objects and environments or direct contact with infected cats. Kittens under 20 weeks old are particularly vulnerable.
Risk Factors:
Cats with outdoor or semi-outdoor lifestyles, entering boarding facilities without vaccination requirements, and encountering unvaccinated cats are at higher risk. The prevalence in Singapore, while not studied, has been reported in local veterinary practices.
2.1.2 Feline Calicivirus (FCV):
Feline calicivirus, mainly shed in ocular, nasal, and oral secretions, spreads through direct contact with infected cats or indirect contact with contaminated objects and environments. While vaccination can provide some cross-protection, cats can still be sequentially infected with different strains, showing varying degrees of clinical illness.
Risk Factors:
Cats with outdoor or semi-outdoor lifestyles, entering boarding facilities without vaccination requirements, and encountering unvaccinated cats are at higher risk. The prevalence in Singapore, though not studied, has been reported in local veterinary practices.
2.1.3 Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1):
Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) shares transmission routes with FCV but is more susceptible to common disinfectants. Cats that recover from FHV-1 infection become latently infected carriers, shedding the virus during periods of stress.
Risk Factors:
Cats with outdoor or semi-outdoor lifestyles, entering boarding facilities without vaccination requirements, and encountering unvaccinated cats are at higher risk. Introduction into new or stressful environments may lead to the reactivation of latent infections in carriers.
2.2 Vaccination schedule
2.2.1 Kitten Vaccination Series:
Initiating core vaccinations is vital for the health of kittens. The recommended schedule starts at 6 - 8 weeks of age, with subsequent boosters administered every 2 - 4 weeks until the kitten reaches 16 weeks of age or older. Veterinarians play a pivotal role in determining the appropriate vaccination timing, considering factors such as the presence of other animals, their vaccination status, and the likelihood of virus exposure.
Note: Early vaccinations within the 6 – 8 week age range may face challenges in inducing adequate immunity due to maternal antibody interference. Veterinarians should carefully assess the kitten's situation before recommending the optimal vaccination time.
2.2.2 Adult Vaccination Series:
Once the kitten vaccination series is completed, the first adult booster is crucial and should be administered within 1 year following the last dose in the initial vaccination series. This booster is especially important for kittens that may not have responded adequately to the earlier vaccines.
2.2.3 For adult cats receiving regular vaccinations:
Core vaccines in Singapore are registered for annual booster intervals after the initial kitten vaccinations. However, emerging evidence suggests that certain vaccine products may confer longer immunity. Veterinarians, after assessing the cat's lifestyle and risks, may recommend off-label booster intervals, duly documented in medical records.
2.2.4 For adult cats with irregular vaccination history:
Cats that completed the kitten vaccination series but have irregular adult vaccination records require a single dose of modified live, core vaccine to induce protective immunity.
2.2.5 For adult cats with unknown vaccination history:
Adult cats with an unknown vaccination history should receive two initial doses of modified live, core vaccines 2 - 4 weeks apart to establish protective immunity.
2.1 Feline non-core vaccination:Â
2.1.1 Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV):
FIV is primarily transmitted through bite wounds and sustained direct contact with infected cats. While vertical transmission is rare, the virus can also be transmitted through blood transfusions and contaminated surgical or dental equipment. The prevalence of FIV in Singapore was reported at 16%. Cats living in multi-cat households and those with outdoor access, especially intact males, are at higher risk.
Recommendation:
FIV vaccines are non-core in Singapore. The strain present locally is unknown, impacting the conclusiveness of vaccine protection. Testing is advised before vaccination for at-risk kittens and cats. Vaccination involves an initial series in kittens aged 8 weeks or older, with two boosters at 2 - 4 week intervals and annual boosters afterward. Veterinarians should discuss risks versus benefits with owners, emphasizing diligent record-keeping and the potential impact on future test results.
2.1.2 Feline Chlamydiosis:
Chlamydia felis, causing feline chlamydiosis, is shed in ocular discharge and requires close contact between cats for transmission. High-density cat housing environments pose a higher risk. Although not a core vaccine, C. felis vaccines are often combined with core vaccine components and may be routinely administered concurrently.
Recommendation:
While non-core, routine administration of C. felis vaccines is advised in high-density cat housing environments, such as catteries and multi-cat households.
2.1.3 Rabies:
Cats are susceptible to rabies, but they are not recognized as key transmission hosts. Singapore has been rabies-free since 1953, implementing precautionary measures to prevent its reintroduction. The risk is low, with smuggled cats having an unknown health status presenting a higher risk.
Recommendation:
As the risk of rabies infection in Singapore is very low, the rabies vaccine is non-core and not recommended unless the cat is traveling overseas. Vaccination, when done, should adhere to the manufacturer's instructions.
3.1 Vaccination Schedule:Â
3.1.1 Kitten Vaccination Series:
The initiation of the FeLV vaccination series is recommended at 8 weeks of age or older. A second dose is administered 3 - 4 weeks later to bolster immunity. Prior to vaccination, all kittens should undergo testing for FeLV, ensuring that only FeLV-negative kittens receive the vaccine.
For all cats, the first adult booster is administered 1 year after completing the kitten vaccination series. Subsequent revaccination is contingent upon an individual risk assessment by a veterinarian. Cats deemed not at risk may not necessitate revaccination unless exposed to FeLV.
For cats at risk, revaccination is recommended, with options for off-label booster intervals documented in medical records after a veterinarian's assessment of the cat's lifestyle and risks.
FeLV-negative testing is advisable prior to vaccination for adult cats with a complete course of kitten vaccinations but irregular adult vaccination records. For cats last vaccinated within the last 3 years, a single dose can induce protective immunity.
For cats last vaccinated more than 3 years ago, a two-dose regimen 3 - 4 weeks apart is recommended, followed by another booster 1 year later.
FeLV-negative testing is imperative before administering the vaccine to adult cats with an unknown vaccination history. Two initial doses are administered 3 - 4 weeks apart, followed by a booster vaccination 1 year later. Subsequent revaccination intervals are determined based on an individual risk assessment by the veterinarian.
In conclusion, ensuring the health and well-being of our beloved pets through proper vaccination is a responsibility that pet owners should embrace. Stay tuned for our next article, where we will provide a comprehensive guide for pet wellbeing in Singapore to empower pet owners in making informed decisions about their furry companions' health.
Reference:Â
The Role of Serology in Vaccination Decision Making - WSAVA 2017 Congress - VIN. (n.d.). https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=20539&catId=113430&id=8506323&ind=480&objTypeID=17#:~:text=Another%20indication%20for%20serological%20testing,been%20revaccinated%20for%20some%20time.https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=20539&catId=113430&id=8506323&ind=480&objTypeID=17#:~:text=Another%20indication%20for%20serological%20testing,been%20revaccinated%20for%20some%20time.
Vaccinations | Vet Practice – Veterinary Clinic Singapore. (n.d.). https://vetpractice.com.sg/resources/vaccinations/#:~:text=Vaccination%20Protocols,the%20age%20of%2016%20weeks.
Pet Vaccines: Schedules for Cats and Dogs. (2010, August 23). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/pet-vaccines-schedules-cats-dogs
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