Advice about current concerns over microchip implantation and cancer
September 12, 2007
by Charlie Powell, Senior Communications
Manager, 335-7073,
cpowell@vetmed.wsu.edu
- Current studies being widely reported in popular media are
warning of a risk to pets and by extension people from implanted
microchips.
- The studies being reported on by media were conducted in rodents and
did not meet a sound scientific approach necessary to begin issuing
legitimate product safety warnings. Any indication of any significantly
increased risks to pets is at best, premature and at worst, totally
uncalled for at this time.
- For decades, there have been competent scientific reports of cancer
caused by almost any manner of implant or foreign object within the body
of animals and people. What is important is that close examination
reveals the risk to animals is so extremely low as to be non-existent
for any practical purpose, especially any risk from microchipping. This
includes cases referenced by media currently.
- Positive identification of companion animals is essential for
reuniting lost pets with their owners. Microchips are but one way to
accomplish this and are the safest and most secure method versus tags
and collars or tattoos.
- The risk of a pet being separated from its owner with all attendant
hazards is tremendously greater than any known risk for cancer formation
from any approved veterinary implant known at this time including
microchips.
- At this time and despite current media activity, there is no
competent medical reason to recommend not placing a microchip in a pet.
- Recommending against microchip implantation in a pet due to current
concerns for cancer may be placing companion animals at a greater risk
to their health and well-being when considering pets separated from
their owners without positive identification.
Last Edited: Sep 12, 2007 4:47 PM
