Charlotte Varcoe
A VACCINE shortage for feline friends is forcing veterinarians to prioritise kittens this season.
Across Australia there remains a feline vaccination shortage which is expected to last until early next year.
Adult cat vaccinations are currently being deferred until next year by Limestone Coast Vets with veterinarian nurse Caitlin Hawke stating they were informed after trying to order more stock.
“We were told because we were looking at putting an order in and we were told the cat vaccines were not available and it does not look like we are going to be able to get any until January next year,” Ms Hawke said.
“We were able to secure a couple of boxes but once they are gone we are unable to get anymore in unfortunately.”
She said once the current vaccines were used, the veterinary service would be unable to get anymore in.
“I know there was an issue earlier in the year with the supplier or manufacturer which were actually producing the vaccines,” Ms Hawke said.
“There was a bit of a shortage earlier in the year for a couple of weeks and we were monitoring our stock levels but this is the worst it has been.”
She said leading up to kitten season, there was a large number of kittens expecting their first vaccinations resulting in the prioritisation.
“We are going to make sure we can get the kitten’s first two vaccinations and then we can move onto annual vaccinations with the older cats,” Ms Hawke said.
“We are hoping they will become available because if they don’t it will make it hard for all the veterinary clinics and we are hoping there will not be a bout of cat flu picking up because we won’t be able to vaccinate the kittens.”
She was also encouraging cat and kitten owners to keep their pets indoors now more than ever to help prevent any possible spread of cat flu.
Wet Noses Animal Rescue coordinator Marie Dukalskis said vaccinations were important and it was critical for kittens to be vaccinated as soon as possible.
“Kittens will be prioritised for the vaccine which is good and in terms of our adoptions, if the shortage were to affect adopted kittens we would still honour that vaccination when the stock becomes available,” Ms Dukalskis said.
“Kittens can be adopted from us if isolated from an adult cat and would still honour that vaccination.”
She said most adult cats were already vaccinated due to being in the rescue’s care for longer.
“At this stage we will not be affected by adult cats but if we are it will be the same,” Ms Dukalskis said.
“We are not concerned about the spread of cat flu because we vaccinate our cats while they are in our care and they are inside, which we encourage all people to do at least until they are desexed.”
