February 22, 2008

LANSING - Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) officials are reminding pet and livestock owners to vaccinate against diseases impacting the health of animalsand humans.

A “standard” vaccination program includes vaccines required by law, such as rabies, as well as vaccines for diseases common in Michigan.

“If a farm is located in an area where rabies exposure has been documented, then owners should consider vaccinating livestock,” said Dr. Steve Halstead, state veterinarian. “A licensed vaccine is available for horses, cows, sheep, and goats.”

Breeding animals should be vaccinated several weeks before delivery to ensure the offspring receive adequate amounts of antibodies through suckling. Colostrum, the milk-like product produced by the mother for the first 72 hours after delivery, contains antibodies to the diseases the mother has been infected by or vaccinated against.

Pet and livestock owners should think about the type of exposure. For example, if pets or livestock will be going to fairs and shows, owners should consider additional vaccines that prevent colds and flu.

Michigan law requires pet owners license their dogs, and to get a license, an owner must show proof the dog is currently vaccinated against rabies. MDA recommends vaccinations against canine distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. In addition, owners should have the dogs checked for heartworm and intestinal parasites. Some veterinarians recommend vaccination against leptospirosis.

Cats should be vaccinated against rabies, herpes virus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. Pet owners are encouraged to have their veterinarian check for internal parasites and heartworms. Some parasites, such as those causing Toxoplasmosis in cats, are found in nearly all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Toxoplasmosis in pregnant women can cause severe illness and defects in unborn children.

A ferret must be vaccinated against rabies and cannot be sold without the owner receiving a Ferret Health Advisory Sheet. This sheet can be found at the following web address: www.michigan.gov/documents/MDA_FerretHealthAdvisorySheet_31881_7.pdf

MDA recommends all horses be vaccinated against rabies, Eastern/Western Equine Encephalitis, Tetanus, and West Nile Virus. A current Coggins test is required for all equidae entered in exhibitions, expositions, or fairs to show they have not been infected with the Equine Infectious Anemia virus.

“Animal owners should consult with their veterinarian to understand the exposure and environmental risks for pets and livestock,” said Halstead. “Additionally, a Pet Shop Health Certificate must accompany any dog, cat, or ferret sold or adopted from a pet shop.”

For more information on vaccinating your pets and livestock, visit the MDA website at www.michigan.gov/mda.