June 23, 2009

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) is reminding residents to protect animals and humans from harmful diseases by vaccinating pets and livestock. By following some easy guidelines, owners can take significant steps toward providing a safe and healthy summer for their animals.

A standard vaccination program includes vaccinations required by law, along with vaccinations for diseases commonly found throughout the state. Licensed vaccines are also available for horses, cows, sheep and goats.

"Pet and livestock owners should always consider the animal's environment when deciding on vaccinations," said Dr. Steve Halstead, state veterinarian. "If animals will be attending fairs or exhibitions, for example, they should receive additional vaccinations to protect against diseases they may be exposed to in group housing or stressful situations. Owners should consult their private veterinarian to develop an appropriate vaccination program specific for their animals."

In addition, an Equine Infectious Anemia test, also known as a Coggins test, to check for this blood borne disease of horses, is mandatory for all horses entered into exhibitions, expositions or fairs. MDA also suggests vaccinating all horses against rabies, Eastern/Western Equine Encephalitis, Tetanus, and West Nile Virus.

Along with the standard vaccinations, household pets must meet additional requirements. Michigan law requires owners to license their dogs. To be licensed, an owner must show proof of up-to-date vaccinations for rabies. MDA recommends having dogs checked for heartworm and intestinal parasites, along with vaccinations against canine distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus.

Pet owners should also have cats checked for heartworm and internal parasites. Vaccinations for cats should include rabies, herpes virus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. Ferrets must be vaccinated for rabies and cannot be sold without the Ferret Health Advisory Sheet. This advisory can be found at the following address, http://www.michigan.gov/documents/MDA_FerretHealthAdvisorySheet_31881_7.pdf .

For more information on pet and livestock vaccination requirements, please visit www.michigan.gov/mda .

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