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The Hayward
Foundation Study on Vaccines
For 15
years, some Great Dane breeders have postulated the adverse effects of the
aggressive use of vaccines on the immature (puppy) immune system. This
concern led these breeders to a more conservative approach to vaccinations,
the monitoring of antibody titers before boosters were given, or in some
cases safe alternatives to conventional practice were invoked.
Over the
last two years a cutting edge scientific research study has been conducted at
Purdue University, under the direction of Larry Glickman, VDM,PhD and his associate
Dr. Harm HogenEsch (Curricula Vitae and the impressive credentials of these
scientists are included for your review). The study proposal is to
investigate the autoimmune responses to vaccines in dogs. This study, at
Purdue, was conceptualized by Great Dane people, and subsequently funded (±
$175,000.00) by a Great Dane friendly organization called the John &
Winifred Hayward Foundation. Originally, it was considered ideal to conduct
the study with a colony of Great Danes. However, the feasibility and
practicality of maintaining and housing a controlled group of Great Danes was
economically out of reach. Therefore, the study identified the Beagle
as the canine of choice, but recognized the applications of any results to
the canine population as a whole, including Great Danes.
The study
has produced some dramatic results, with concrete and clear evidence that
there are adverse events elicited as a result of the use of vaccines
following manufacturer's recommendations. (Review the following article for a
more complete picture of study results.)
In Dr.
LaRosa's (Trustee of the Hayward Foundation) article (following), he states
that a number of autoantibodies to several critical proteins and DNA were
identified in the vaccinated group. Identifying these autoimmune antibodies,
and monitoring their titers may lead, in addition to the thyroiditis
conditions, a better understanding of the role of vaccines in soliciting
adverse events that contribute to problematic conditions observed in the
Great Dane, such as Cardiomyopathy, and Various Bone related disorders.
The
positive outcomes of the study at Purdue will hopefully be the identification
of a number of genetic markers that will facilitate a brighter and healthier
future for our breed, as well as recommendations for safer vaccines and their
uses.
The
Hayward Foundation is limited by its charter to investigate Human Genetic
Disorders, therefore its ability to significantly fund this study further
falls outside of the realm of its charter. However, the Trustees of the
Hayward Foundation have committed an additional $25,000.00 to help in the
maintenance of this colony until further funding is identified.
Glickman
has stated that the colony will be lost unless further and immediate funding
is identified to maintain the colony . Dr. Glickman is applying to the
AKC Foundation and the NIH (National Institute of Health) for funding. Two
years of research will not be lost but the future of this work which relies
on maintaining the colony for some time to come will be lost.
VACCINE SAFETY (?)
A Possible Etiology of Autoimmune
Diseases
By : William R. La Rosa,
M.D. (Trustee)
The
Hayward Foundation is dedicated to research and eradication of human genetic
diseases. There is much anecdotal hearsay about the safety of vaccines
in dogs as well as in humans. The Vaccine Safety Committee recently
emphasized the need for more definitive research on possible adverse effects
during the development of new vaccines and vaccine combinations. (National
Academy Press, Washington D.C. 1994).
When a
dog vaccine safety issue was brought to our attention by Laura Kiaulenas, a
prominent Harlequin Great Dane breeder, and after reading articles by Jean
Dodds DVM, we decided to fund a study to prove or disprove the supposition of
multiple diseases, acute and chronic, caused by vaccination. If indeed,
many breeders are correct, then is the dog a canary sentinel, and are human
similarly being affected, and if so can we identify the dog or human who is
genetically susceptible to these reactions ?
We were
fortunate that prominent and respected researchers, Drs. Larry T. Glickman,
Harm HogenEsch, Juan I. Azona-Olivera, J. Catherine Scott-Montcrieff, and
Paul W. Snyder of Purdue University, School of Veterinary Medicine, agreed to
undertake the study. The results are enlightening and they are
enthusiastically working on the second phase, a study of longer duration.
They
presented a paper to the International Veterinary Vaccines and Diagnostics
Conference, July 27 - 31, 1997, in Madison, Wisconsin, hosted by the
University of Wisconsin. These proceedings have been published in
Advances in Veterinary Science and Comparative Medicine . Another
manuscript: Vaccine Induced Serum Autoantibodies in Young Beagles , has
been submitted to a human immunology journal Clinical Immunology and
Immmunopathology.
Their
study was based on the increasing concern among veterinarians and breeders
that current vaccination protocols adversely affect the health of dogs.
This concern has largely been based on anecdotal and circumstantial
evidence. They studied the effects of routinely used vaccination
protocol on the immune and endocrine systems of Beagles.
One
control group was not vaccinated and the other group was vaccinated with a
commercial multivalent vaccine at 8, 10, 12, 16, and 20 weeks of age and with
a rabies vaccine at 16 weeks of age.
A
definition of autoimmune disease is now necessary. In dogs as well as
humans, the body sometimes forms antibodies against itself (self antigens)
which can lead to diseases of the pancreas (diabetes), thyroid (Hashimoto's
Disease), collagen and fibronectin (Scleroderma, Lupus),cardiolipin
(Cardiomyopathy), etc. The body literally attacks itself to cause the
autoimmune disease.
The
vaccinated group developed significant levels of autoantibodies against:
fibronectin, laminin, DNA, albumin, Cytochrome C, transferrin, cardiolipin,
collagen. The responses varied among individual animals, probably reflecting
genetic differences. The clinical significance of those autoantibodies
remains to be determined, but speculation must be that something in the
vaccines is one of the etiologies (in the genetically susceptible dog) of
such diseases as Cardiomyopathy, Lupus Erythematosus, Glomerulonephritis,
etc. I apologise for using these technical terms but this is a complex
study and adds validity to the report.
Autoimmune
diseases are quite common in dogs as well as in humans, but much easier to
study in dogs, especially since various breeds have genetic susceptibility or
predisposition. The high prevalence of autoimmune disease in specific
breeds makes it easier to search for the genetic markers. Humans are
much more diverse and therefore more difficult to study.
We hope
that many Breed Associations and the AKC Foundation will join us in expanding
these studies with the needed research funds. Longer term studies are
needed to determine the clinical importance of vaccine-induced autoantibodies
and to identify markers of genetic susceptibility.
These are
truly remarkable results. The next step is to study the development of
safer vaccines, or possibly modify the recommended dosages, and the timing of
vaccinations. Many vaccines, including a vaccine for use in humans,
contain fibronectin. This appears to be a common contaminant.
Other antigens will be studied.
A general
theme of the Conference was that vaccine immunity lasts longer than the
manufacturer claims; rabies is probably effective for at least 3 years and we
are probably over-vaccinating our dogs. Even the vaccine industry tells
you that there is never 100% protection. Therefore disease is seen even
in vaccinated groups. In Europe, vaccines are prohibited once the disease
is eliminated because the fear of reversion to virulence of the modified live
virus.
Autoimmune
diseases in dogs are clinically similar to those in humans. We hope that
Veterinary and Medical Schools will continue and expand these preliminary research
studies. Our companion dogs are crashing all around us and maybe we are
now finding one of the sources of the problems. It has been so easy to
point fingers at breeders but they may not be entirely at fault. Let us
continue this important research to help our future generations of dogs and
possibly children. Yes, indiscriminate breeding can genetically
predispose the dog but is the trigger mechanism indiscriminate vaccinations ?
My
personal interpretation of the above information in brief is: (from Dr. La
Rosa MD)
1.
These studies appear to support the conclusions of some breeders that
multiple vaccinations may be harmful to dogs. Be cautious and keep
current in the scientific literature.
2.
Current vaccines induce autoantibodies. Contaminants may be part of the
problem.
3.
We need to research and explain the mechanism. Does it alter the DNA
causing genetic abnormality or is the susceptible gene already in place? Can
we find the genetic marker to avoid the adverse reaction of vaccination ?
4.
The dog is a good model for study because different breeds already have
susceptibility to specific diseases and genetic markers will be easier to
find than in other diverse animals (and humans).
5.
What is the solution or cure, and especially how is this applicable to
humans.
6.
Most current vaccines are effective in preventing disease, but they may be
administered more frequently than is actually required.
This
study certainly points out the preliminary conclusions that have also been
done with the Canine Health Concern in the UK .
Breed
clubs interested in contributing to further research on vaccines may contact:
William
R. La Rosa M.D. (Trustee, John & Winifred Hayward Foundation)
(352)
799-5202
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