VACCINATION
THE HISTORY OF VACCINATION
Vaccination has been one of the most important interventions in disease protection that has ever been developed for both humans and animals.
Smallpox is a well known example of the close relationship between human and animal vaccines and diseases. The first vaccine to protect humans against smallpox was derived from a cow with cowpox. In the 20th century, smallpox was responsible for 300 to 500 million deaths. Thanks to a widespread vaccination program smallpox has now been eradicated.
In veterinary medicine, vaccination has also proven to be successful for animal health; diseases such as canine parvovirus, canine distemper and feline leukemia have been greatly reduced – in some places nearly eliminated – by vaccination.
Routine vaccination programs for pets are now standard in most developed countries and as a consequence the diseases are seen less and less frequently. Although this is good news it can create a dilemma since if pet owners no longer see and fear the diseases they may neglect to get their pet vaccinated meaning vaccination coverage can fall in some areas. With communication and education veterinarians can help to keep animals vaccinated and protect the precious bonds with their owners.
Click on the links below to find out interesting websites and articles about the history of vaccination:
Canine Cough, or canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs. Found worldwide, the disease will affect a relatively high percentage of dogs in their lifetime. Learn how you can do your part to protect against Canine Cough and keep bonds strong.
Rabies causes over 55,000 deaths in people each year in Africa and India. Learn how you can help eliminate this deadly disease by protecting your pet with Nobivac vaccines.
Create stronger bonds by educating yourself on the importance of vaccinating your pets. Keep informed about the benefits of vaccination with our helpful animation.
Equine influenza is a highly infectious respiratory disease of horses. Found almost worldwide, the disease will affect a worrying percentage of horses in their lifetime. Learn how you can do your part to protect against Equine influenza and keep the bonds strong.
