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From: rcd@opus.UUCP (Dick Dunn)
Newsgroups: net.pets
Subject: Re: cat leukemia vaccine
Message-ID: <1062@opus.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 29-Jan-85 05:21:15 EST
Article-I.D.: opus.1062
Posted: Tue Jan 29 05:21:15 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 2-Feb-85 13:05:34 EST
References: <621@asgb.UUCP>
Organization: NBI,Inc, Boulder CO
Lines: 27

It may be of some interest that cat breeders are taking a "wait and see"
attitude on the new FeLeuk vaccine.  Clearly they stand to gain from the
vaccine's existence, but there are some counterarguments (for now):

	- the vaccine is expensive, and the expense is a big deal if it's 
	  not possible to buy it from standard vaccine suppliers as is
	  possible with other vaccines--especially if you've got a dozen
	  cats or so

	- catteries are generally free of FeLeuk and all cats are tested
	  regularly to ensure that.  Cats don't go outside and they
	  generally don't have contact with other cats except those which
	  have been tested also

	- the initial supply of vaccine is comparatively small and should
	  be allowed to go to the cats which are at greatest risk

	- it would be better to have more experience on a larger population
	  as to possible side-effects before taking any chances with cats
	  which are comparatively valuable (monetarily, but more
	  importantly, genetically)

I would expect breeders to hold off for perhaps a year or less if all goes
well, cost decreases, and supply/availability increases.
-- 
Dick Dunn	{hao,ucbvax,allegra}!nbires!rcd		(303)444-5710 x3086
   ...Never offend with style when you can offend with substance.