Invisible killer: 99% of UK vets have seen a pet die from a preventable infectious disease
- New research released for National Pet Vaccination Month (March) reveals widespread misconceptions among owners that vets warn are putting much loved pets at serious, and potentially deadly, risk.
- Only 1% of UK pet owners know how far preventable diseases spread.
- Released with striking images of diseases ‘traveling’ through parks, gardens and homes, owners are being urged to speak to their vet and protect their pets with yearly vaccinations.
Milton Keynes, U.K., March 4, 2026 – As we step into the first days of spring with warmer weather – prime time to spend more time in the garden, at café catch ups, and on holiday – research released for National Pet Vaccination Month (March) reveals alarming gaps in awareness that are putting thousands of UK pets at risk of easily spreading potentially fatal diseases.
A study commissioned by MyPet.com, founded by global animal health provider MSD Animal Health, shows that 99% of UK vets have seen a pet die from a preventable infectious disease – with 7 in 10 saying it’s happened multiple times in their careers.
When it comes to pet owners, shockingly only 1% realise pets can catch diseases from more than two metres away, and nearly one in five (18%) still think infection only happens through direct contact – overlooking the invisible risks from shared water bowls in cafés, stays in kennels and catteries, and germs brought indoors on shoes and clothes.
This sits alongside another alarming statistic: nearly 3 in 4 cats (72%) and around 2 in 5 dogs (42%) are not vaccinated. With the majority of vets reporting preventable deaths caused by infectious diseases, this research is a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of missed or delayed vaccinations.
Alongside the research, MyPet.com has released a striking series of images showing diseases ‘traveling’ through parks, gardens and even inside homes – designed to jolt pet owners out of complacency, prompt them to speak to their vet, and book their pets in for a vaccination.
Invisible threats: Is your pet at risk?
A survey of 1,000 UK cat and dog owners uncovered major myths that could be exposing pets to deadly preventable infectious diseases and reveals how far the UK’s understanding is from the truth:
- Nearly half of pet owners (45%) believe faeces is the main transmission route, with only one in four (25%) recognising shared water bowls in parks and cafés as a common source of infection.
- Almost 1 in 4 pet owners (24%) are not confident they could spot the signs of a deadly disease in their pet – leaving serious conditions to progress unnoticed.
- Of pet owners who delayed or skipped vaccinations, nearly 1 in 4 (23%) believe puppy and kitten vaccines are “enough for life”, while 22% underestimate the importance of vaccination, and 19% delay boosters as they believe “it could wait”.
Veterinary professionals surveyed reported continued cases of parvovirus, leptospirosis, cat ‘flu, contagious cough and feline panleukopenia – often in pets whose vaccinations had lapsed.
- 9 in 10 (90%) vets treated vaccine preventable infectious diseases in the last 18 months.
- Almost 1 in 2 vets (45%) say owners underestimate how common these diseases still are.
- Vets are most concerned about one misconception amongst pet owners above all else: the belief that “if a pet looks healthy, they aren’t infectious” – cited by 47% of vets. Close behind:
- 46% say many owners wrongly assume vaccines only matter when pets are young.
- 44% want to challenge the idea that diseases spread only through direct contact.
- 41% emphasise that even indoor pets still need vaccinations.
These myths are leaving cats and dogs dangerously exposed to serious diseases such as parvovirus, which causes severe vomiting and bloody diarrhoea, and crucially, is entirely preventable with regular vaccination – highlighting the importance of vaccinations in pets of all ages, paired with yearly vet discussions to ensure they’re fully protected.
Dr Scott Miller, veterinary expert and resident vet on ITV’s This Morning, warns:
“Deadly diseases don’t wait for ‘the perfect moment’ so, neither should pet owners. As vets, we know it’s the everyday interactions – a quick drink from a shared bowl at a cafe, a play in the park or even animal urine or faeces in your own garden – that exposes pets to seriously harmful diseases, and unfortunately, cause many deaths each year.
“We know everyone is feeling the pinch right now, but the reassurance of protecting your pet from potentially life threatening diseases is invaluable. Owners should speak to their vet about health plan options – many offer pay-monthly schemes that make keeping pets protected more affordable.
“It’s important for every owner to know that boosters are not optional but instead a necessity of pet ownership. These diseases are real, they are deadly, and most importantly – they are preventable. Consistent protection is the only way to keep pets safe.”
National Pet Vaccination Month is built on a simple mission: to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and help owners protect their pets for life. The initiative is led by MSD Animal Health UK, part of Merck & Co, a leader in preventative health solutions committed to supporting vets, farmers and pet owners across the country.
Michelle Townley, Veterinary Advisor at MSD Animal Health, added:
“As a pet owner and vet, I want my pets to be as well protected against preventable diseases as I possibly can, and I know a lot of UK pet owners feel the same regarding their furry family members. However, pet vaccine reminders are easily missed with our modern, busy lifestyles, and it is all too easy for pets to end up with less-than-optimal protection, when in fact the majority would benefit from yearly vaccinations.
“That’s why MSD Animal Health has set up National Pet Vaccination Month – to help inform about the risks out there and protect our nation of pets. We are urging pet owners to check their pets’ vaccination status, whatever their age, and ensure their pets are up to date with their boosters and to speak to their vet if they are unsure. Don’t wait, vaccinate!”
Helen Stapleton, Head of Rehoming and Veterinary at Woodgreen Pets Charity, said:
“At Woodgreen, we often see puppies and young adult dogs arriving without their essential vaccinations or having missed their annual boosters. Some of these dogs need intensive medical care the moment they reach us, and some must be kept in strict isolation while we start their vaccinations from scratch. Despite every effort from our veterinary team, we have tragically lost puppies to parvovirus.
“We have also supported a worrying number of stray female cats who were clearly owned, many pregnant or caring for newborn litters with severe signs of cat ‘flu. Their kittens often suffer the same symptoms but much worse because of their fragile immune systems. Even with round-the-clock care, some of these kittens sadly don’t survive.
“We urge every pet owner to keep their pet’s vaccinations up to date.”
This month, owners across the UK are being urged to speak to their vet to check their pets
vaccination status and book their pets vaccination or booster appointment.
Don’t wait. Vaccinate. For more information, visit: https://uk.mypet.com/vaccinate/
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About the research
This research was commissioned by MSD Animal Health UK Limited, a subsidiary of
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE: MRK), and a global animal health provider”. The research was conducted by Censuswide with 1,000 Dog/Cat Owners between 07/01/2026 – 09/01/2026. 500 x Vets between 06/01/2026 – 13/01/2026.Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council.
Additional information sources
Animal numbers as per PDSA Paw Report 2024 & vaccination % Kynetec Market Data Jan 2025
About National Pet Vaccination Month
National Pet Vaccination Month encourages owners to book annual vaccinations and health checks with their vet. Share your pet’s vaccination story using #IAmProtected and join the movement to keep pets healthy and happy.
About MSD Animal Health
MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is a global animal health business committed to The Science of Healthier Animals™. For more than 130 years, we have pioneered groundbreaking science. Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop breakthrough medicines, vaccines and technology. Rooted in direct experience on the farm and in the clinic, we work hand in hand with our customers every step of the way. Our singular focus is to empower those who care for animals, helping them manage their vital responsibility with confidence. Because when it comes to animal health, no one sees it like we do. For more information, visit www.msd-animal-health.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).
Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA
This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.
The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).
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