[Guidelines for the vaccination of small animals - 6th edition]

Vaccination is one of the most important measures for preventing infectious diseases. The basic immunization of puppies is particularly important, because the development of robust, active immunity in the young has a positive effect on the health and constitution of the entire later life. Maternal antibodies can seriously interfere with the success of the vaccination by neutralizing the administered vaccine antigen - especially with live vaccines. The higher the levels of these antibodies, the longer they may prevent successful induction of active immunity. The level of these antibodies is usually unknown. Therefore, repeated vaccinations during the first months of life keep the time window, in which maternal antibodies have declined and no active immunity has been developed, as short as possible.In dogs, vaccinations against distemper, parvovirosis and leptospirosis are considered core vaccinations. The use of tetravalent leptospirosis vaccines is highly recommended. The attenuated live components against distemper and parvovirus should be administered to puppies in week 8, 12 and 16. Since the leptospirosis component is inactivated and is as much affected by maternal antibodies, it is sufficient to administer the leptospirosis vaccination in week 8 and 12. A vaccination against distemper, parvovirus and leptospirosis at the age of 15 months completes the basic immunization. In addition to the core components mentioned, vaccines against pathogens of the Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) (formerly: kennel cough complex), against canine herpes viruses, dermatophytoses, Lyme borreliosis and Leishmaniasis are approved for dogs. The use of these vaccines can be highly advisable depending on the individual risk of infection. For cats, vaccinations against panleukopenia and against feline herpes- and caliciviruses are considered core vaccinations. Kittens should be vaccinated against all three components in week 8, 12 and 16. A vaccination against all three components at 15 months of age completes the basic immunization. For cats, vaccinations against bordetella and chlamydia infections, against dermatophytoses and against infections with the feline leukemia virus are considered non-core. Immunization against feline infectious peritonitis is not recommended. Ferrets should be vaccinated against distemper. Rabies has been eradicated in Germany. The vaccination is therefore no longer considered a core vaccination. However, susceptible pets, i.e. dogs, cats and ferrets, that are moved within the EU or taken across the border to or from third countries must be vaccinated against rabies. Rabbits should be vaccinated against myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease.