Hesitancy around vaccines has spilled over to pet owners in recent years, sparking concern about the resurgence of rabies, a virus that’s nearly always fatal.

Some pet owners argue against vaccinating dogs – over concerns that vaccines shorten the canines’ lifespans or beliefs that vaccines can cause autism in dogs. But autism’s spectrum of symptoms is uniquely human and experts say anti-vaxxing campaigns among dog owners are especially dangerous considering the public health consequences of rabies.

“While, thankfully, we don’t see a lot of rabies, the consequence is disastrous,” Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, told USA TODAY. “It’s essentially 100% fatal. So having a rabies vaccine for your cat and dog is really, really important on many levels.”

  • Diplomjodler@lemmy.world
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    7 months ago

    I hope some of those dumb fuckers get bitten and then refuse the vaccine until it’s too late.

      • Diplomjodler@lemmy.world
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        7 months ago

        Of course not. But after having to listen to the idiocy of Trumpers and other morons for so long my patience and empathy for those people has well and truly run out.

        • Empricorn@feddit.nl
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          7 months ago

          I definitely understand the feeling, because I feel that way too. But that patience, empathy, integrity, and morality, (however diminished) are literally what separate us from them.

      • henfredemars@infosec.pub
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        7 months ago

        I do, because when their dog gets infected they put my community and family at risk. Let them face the consequences of their actions instead of the innocent.

        There are limits to how much of an idiot you can be before you’re a danger to society. I know it’s horrible beyond my understanding, which is why I don’t want these people in my community.