Dictionary

panleukopenia: A viral infection that damages the intestines and bones.

parvovirus: A canine viral disease that is particularly dangerous in puppies.

pertussis: Commonly known as whooping cough, pertussis is a condition caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria that affects the respiratory system. Common symptoms include bouts of coughing and difficulty breathing. Vaccinations to prevent pertussis are part of the childhood vaccination schedule.

poliomyelitis: Commonly known as polio, poliomyelitis is a highly contagious virus that targets the nervous system, causing paralysis as well as inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Polio vaccinations are part of the childhood vaccination schedule.

rabies: A viral disease that attacks the central nervous system and is transmitted through the bite or saliva of an infected animal.

recombinant vaccines: A vaccine containing particles of vaccine that will produce the best immune response.

revaccination: The process of revaccinating an animal against disease on a regular basis.

rubella: Also known as the German measles, rubella is a contagious virus that causes rashes and swelling of the lymph nodes. Vaccinations for rubella are administered to children at age one.

secondary response: Once an immune system initially encounters an antigen and develops antibodies against it, the response to future encounters with the antigen will be faster and more effective. Also called the anamnestic response.

sudden infant death syndrome: Commonly known as SIDS, sudden infant death syndrome is a condition with unknown causes that unexpectedly kills babies during sleep. Infants under one year old are at the greatest risk of dying from SIDS.