Which statement best describes core vaccines for active duty MWDs?

• A. Core vaccines (distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and rabies) per veterinary guidance
• B. Lyme disease vaccine is mandatory for all active duty MWDs
• C. Rabies vaccine is optional
• D. No vaccines are required

Answer: (A)

Core vaccines protect all active duty MWDs because they guard against diseases with high exposure risk and severe outcomes, and they’re given according to veterinary guidance. The standard set includes distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and rabies. Distemper and parvovirus are highly contagious and can be deadly, especially in young dogs. Adenovirus covers canine hepatitis and helps reduce respiratory issues the dogs may encounter in kennels, training, or field life. Rabies is a fatal disease and, beyond the individual dog, it’s a public health/legal requirement in many places, so it’s essential for every working dog. Vaccines like Lyme disease are not universal for all dogs; exposure risk varies by region and vaccination decisions are made based on that risk. Statements claiming the rabies vaccine is optional or that no vaccines are required don’t align with standard veterinary practice. Therefore, the best description is that core vaccines for active duty MWDs are the distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and rabies vaccines given per veterinary guidance.