Vaccination protocols according to World Small Animal Veterinary Association guidelines: a critical review of its implementation in Brazil

Abstract

Vaccines are an important tool to help control and eradicate human and animal diseases worldwide. Given the complexity and unpredictability of immune responses in certain situations, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) published guidelines to improve immunization of small animals. Therefore, this review aims to discuss these guidelines, which guide the three-yearly revaccination in small animals, as opposed to the annual booster, use of monovalent vaccines, and replacement of revaccination with serological tests, when possible, in addition to suggesting changes to the vaccination schedule for puppies. By reviewing articles and publications on small animal vaccination, the rationale for the guidelines was discussed. Considering the social and economic divergences between developed countries, where the guidelines are currently applied, and emerging and underdeveloped countries, the difficulties of the guidelines’ implementation in Brazil were assessed. The guidelines have current foundations, and vaccinating with multipurpose vaccines more frequently may increase the chances of adverse reactions in small animals. However, the country still presents difficulties in implementing the guidelines in their entirety, in addition to the challenges involving abandoned animals, the unavailability of monovalent vaccines and serological tests accessible to the poorest population limits the adherence of guardians and professionals to the WSAVA guidelines.