Today, Monday, April 20, is World Animal Vaccination Day, a time the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) said is a time to highlight the benefits of vaccination to support the health and welfare of the nation’s farmed and companion animals, and how that supports our own public health.

These unprecedented times highlight the importance of the availability of vaccination programmes for a wide range of infectious diseases – for us and our animals.

Jamie Brannan, NOAH’s chair, said: “Vaccines play a key role in preserving and protecting animal health and welfare, productivity, sustainability and resilience of farms, thus underpinning the whole food supply chain. They support thedelivery of NOAH’s Vision of Animal Health and Welfare in the UK.

“Vaccination of our companion animals, so important to our own mental and physical health, helps keep them safe from disease and also reduce the likelihood of disease transmission in the animal population.”

Mr Brannan added: “At this time, the health and safety of animal owners and the veterinary team is paramount. We must follow Government advice and companion animal owners should contact their veterinary surgeon to discuss any vaccination needs for their pet at this time.

“We are working with others to help improve understanding of the benefits, as well as the safety, efficacy and working mechanisms, of vaccination through our #VaccinesWork campaign.”

He added: “We are a forward–looking industry, so as part of the global animal health community, we continue to carry out research to develop new products such as vaccines to protect our animals now and into the future.”