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Rabies Vaccine Misinfo Puts Pets at Risk
17 Dec
Summary
- Vaccine hesitancy in US pet owners increases disease risk.
- Influencers spread false claims about new rabies vaccine.
- Veterinarians confirm the vaccine is safe and effective.
Vaccine hesitancy among pet owners in the United States is on the rise, creating a heightened risk of zoonotic diseases for both animals and humans. Social media influencers have been disseminating misinformation about a new rabies vaccine, wrongly claiming it is dangerous. However, veterinarians across the United States and Canada state that this particular vaccine has undergone thorough testing and is designed to minimize adverse reactions.
The new rabies vaccine uses self-amplifying RNA particle technology, similar to other veterinary vaccines developed by Merck. Despite claims that the vaccine is already in widespread use in the US, it is not yet commercially available there due to contractual obligations, though it was released in Canada in June 2024. Experts confirm the vaccine cannot cause rabies in vaccinated animals or transmit it to humans, as it does not contain live virus or all necessary genes.
Veterinary associations stress that serious vaccine reactions are exceedingly rare, and the benefits of preventing diseases like rabies far exceed the risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that while rabies is well-controlled in the US, thousands of animal cases are reported annually. Pet owners are encouraged to consult with their veterinarians to address concerns about vaccinations, rather than relying on unsubstantiated online claims.
