Articles Index/Health
Posted 07/22/07
Rabies is a fatal disease, and all domestic animals should be protected against it. Vaccination (or a titer showing immunity) is a must, but states have different requirements and intervals between vaccinations for adult dogs may be as short as one year. This disparity and the fact that virtually any vaccine may cause an adverse reaction, has prompted the creation of a "Rabies Challenge Fund" which is designed to support studies that will determine the duration of immunity conveyed by the canine rabies vaccine. The ultimate goal is to extend state-mandated intervals for boosters to five, and ultimately, seven years.
Two world-renowned (if occasionally controversial) leaders in veterinary vaccine research, Dr. W. Jean Dodds of Hemopet and Dr. Ronald Schultz of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine are leading the studies.
Donations may be sent to The Rabies Challenge Fund, c/o Hemopet, 11330 Markon Drive, Garden Grove, CA 92841. More information is available at www.rabieschallengefund.org.
ANTIC, March, 2007
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