In 2005, the Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD) has been constituted, a European body of 17 clinicians and scientists with special interest in the cat. Its objectives are to communicate epidemiological developments in feline infectious diseases, and to establish a rational base for vaccine use. Its conclusions are published in various media, in order to broadly disseminate up-to-date information and to define a code of practice that reflects the present state of vaccinological knowledge. The ABCD initiative is financially supported by Merial but scientifically independent from the company.