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Pets risk disease timebomb as owners cut spending
Vets are warning of a "ticking timebomb in killer animal diseases" as one in five pet owners is cutting back on veterinary expenses.
It has been predicted "disease hot spots" will spread throughout areas of the country where animals have not been inoculated, said a National Vaccination Campaign spokeswoman.
As a result 2,000 veterinary practices across the country are planning to cut the price of vaccinations throughout June to help to stem the tide.
TV wildlife presenter Kate Humble is trying to raise awareness among pet owners and encourage them to see vets.
"It is worrying that all too many owners start off with good intentions by getting puppies and kittens inoculated but fail to keep vaccinations up to date needlessly exposing much-loved family pets to potentially life-threatening illnesses," she said.
"The really sad aspect is that people who are reducing veterinary care due to the recession may be making a false economy by putting their pets at risk of serious disease, which may lead to treatment at far greater cost than the price of the annual jab."
According to a recent You Gov survey, 19 per cent of pet owners nationwide admit they have cut back on veterinary expenses such as vaccinations, health checks and treatments.
Of those polled, 53 per cent of people not vaccinating their pets said this was due to cost.
Animal owners in the south and the east of England have cut back on veterinary expenses, such as vaccinations, health checks and treatments, more than other places in the country. Vets fear diseases like parvovirus and leptospirosis will quickly spread in these regions.
The National Vaccination Campaign said Britain's 11 million unvaccinated dogs, cats rabbits and horses are at risk.
They have teamed up with more than 2,000 veterinary practices who will be providing cheap jabs against a range of fatal diseases for the cost of a booster throughout National Vaccination Month in June.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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