State to amend rabies vaccination standards

AUGUSTA – Dog advocates Peter and Kris Christine of Alna recently won a victory when state officials agreed to amend the state’s rabies vaccination requirements.

After the Christines’ dog developed a mast cell malignant tumor on the site of a recent rabies shot, Kris Christine began to research the health effects of rabies vaccinations. She quickly discovered that ambiguous language in state statutes had veterinarians and town clerks confused about how often dogs required rabies vaccinations and the result of the 23-year-old regulation had pet owners overimmunizing their pets.

The statute, adopted in 1981, states that in order for owners to receive a license for their dog, a certificate must show that the date of immunization has been within 360 days for a primary immunization or within 730 days for a booster immunization.

The statute also states that rabies immunization must be conducted with a vaccine that protects for three years, which is a national standard. But because consumers and veterinarians see 730 days, or two years, as a requirement for a license, they give dogs a three-year rabies shot every two years in order to comply with the licensing regulation.

A working group within the Maine Bureau of Health met recently and decided to revise the law so that it is clear vaccinations are needed only every three years rather than every two.

Christine said Monday she was pleased the state had acted so quickly.

“Maine’s dog owners can look forward to a rule change sometime in October, which should bring Maine’s rabies vaccination requirements into line with the national standard presented in the Compendium of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians,” she said.

Dr. Phillip Haines, deputy director of the Bureau of Health, said Monday that not only will the amendment clarify the timing of vaccinations but also will standardize the forms used by veterinarians, thereby making it easier for town clerks to issue licenses.

“This will eliminate pet owners spending money unnecessarily as well as eliminating confusion and anxiety,” Haines said.

The state official said he still is taking comments from members of the working group and that the proposal must be reviewed by the Maine Attorney General’s Office before it can be put through a formal rule-making process, which will include a public hearing.

Haines explained that the existing law prohibits town clerks from issuing a dog license without a valid certification showing the dog has been immunized against rabies within 360 days of a first immunization or 730 days for a booster. Another part of the same law states, however, that rabies vaccines should be protective for three years.

This conflicting language was discovered by Christine, who maintained that most Maine dogs were being overmedicated. The law has existed for 17 years, she said, and was being interpreted by most veterinarians to require rabies boosters every 730 days.

“This amendment will change that,” said Haines. “Town clerks will only have to look for proof that the dog is immunized on the day of licensure.” For example, if a dog’s booster is not due until August and the dog is licensed in January, the town clerk will accept the proof from the dog’s vet that the dog is covered.

This change also will allow dog owners and vets the option of giving the pets a one-year booster, rather than the three-year shot, which is controversial.

According to Christine, 49 states require shots only every three years, but Haines said it was unclear how many of those states link vaccinations to licenses.

Haines also said enforcing the vaccination requirement will be difficult.

“It’s not like driving down the road with a taillight out,” he said.