Board approves public health, regulatory recommendations
| On recommendation from the Council on Public Health and Regulatory Veterinary Medicine, the Executive Board reaffirmed a position statement and a model ordinance, and approved changes to another model ordinance, during its June meeting.
Next, the board approved the reaffirmation with minor editorial revisions to the Model Dog and Cat Control Ordinance. The council reviewed the model ordinance as part of a five-year review directive and recommended the editorial changes. Finally, the board approved revisions to the Model Rabies Control Ordinance. The Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents and the Clinical Practitioners Advisory Committee had reported concern over how the model ordinance addressed dogs, cats, and ferrets that are not currently vaccinated against rabies. The groups believed the model ordinance did not identify with whom the decision of euthanasia rests. In response, the council recommended the revised model ordinance read: "Alternatively, at the discretion of the Rabies Control Authority or Public Health Official the animal may be humanely euthanatized and tested for rabies at an approved laboratory." A copy of the position statement and the model ordinances are available here or by contacting Kathy Sikora in the Scientific Activities Division at (800) 248-2862, Ext. 6635 or ksikora | ||
The board reaffirmed the AVMA Position on Brucellosis Vaccine for Wildlife. After reviewing the position as part of a five-year directive, the council believes there is still a need for safe and effective vaccines to protect wildlife such as bison and elk, and livestock that may be exposed to wildlife, from brucellosis.