Reporting Adverse Reactions
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A recent post about mandatory vaccination in show horses sparked a discussion about concerns regarding adverse reactions to vaccines. Dr. Carolyn Cooper of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency posted the following comment.
"There is mandatory reporting of adverse vaccine reactions in Canada by the vaccine manufacturers to the Veterinary Biologics Section (VBS) of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. VBS monitors the type and frequency of reports in order to identify any potential issues with the safety and efficacy of licensed products. In order to increase the usefulness of mandatory adverse reaction reporting, veterinarians should report all suspected adverse reactions to the vaccine's manufacturer. Any comments regarding the licensing of veterinary vaccines in Canada, or adverse reaction reporting in Canada, can be directed to VBS at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/vetbio/conpere.shtml "
This is a very important reminder for veterinarians and horse owners. While there is mandatory reporting, adverse reactions to drugs and vaccines are rarely reported by veterinarians. There's nothing underhanded about the lack of reporting, it's mainly that people don't think about it when it happens. Without good data, however, we are left to debate the true risks of vaccines and drugs with only incomplete information. Drugs and vaccines can be marketed for animals with rather minimal safety data. Even with large studies, safety issues can be missed until the drug/vaccine is mass marketed, as has been shown with some high-profile human drugs. If regulatory agencies don't get the data (i.e. if the reactions aren't reported to them), then they can't adequately monitor safety concerns. If your horse has an adverse reaction to a pharmaceutical product, you should make sure this is reported. It doesn't take your vet much time and shouldn't take any effort on your part.
