Shot Across the Bow-Wow

A group assigned to fix a conflict in state rules that is causing dogs to be vaccinated against rabies more often than necessary deserves a pat on the head for agreeing on a simple solution to a decades-old problem. The group’s solution, to require that dog owners show proof that their pet is currently vaccinated when they seek to license their pet at the town office in January, is simple and straightforward. State rules should be changed to reflect this common-sense solution.

After concerns were raised by an owner whose dog developed a tumor at the site of its rabies shots, state officials decided to reconsider two different state rules that worked somewhat at cross-purposes. One rule, administered by the Department of Human Service’s Bureau of Health, requires that dogs be given a rabies vaccination that lasts for three years (except for the initial dose, which lasts for one year). Another rule, this one under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture, requires that dogs be licensed by Jan. 1 of each year.

In order to get a license, a dog owner must present a certificate showing that a rabies shot was given within 730 days (or 360 for the initial one). This meant that most dogs are getting rabies shots every two years with a vaccine that the manufacturer and veterinarians recommend giving every three years.

Some dogs have allergic reactions to shots and some immune-mediate diseases can be triggered by vaccinations. Studies are continuing on the occurrence of tumors at immunization sites in some dog breeds. Fear of over-vaccination should not prompt people to put off immunizing their dogs against rabies, which has been found among animals in Maine and is fatal. So, the Bureau of Health formed a committee to seek ways to end the confusion.

After one meeting, they solved the problem by suggesting that the licensing rule be changed to require that a dog owner show proof of a current rabies vaccination – not a rabies shot within 730 days. The only down side is that a dog owner could license a dog whose vaccination expires within days. To combat this problem, town clerks will be given educational materials to highlight the importance of rabies vaccinations to dog owners. In addition, licensing is not a good incentive to encourage owners to vaccinate their dogs. Nationally, well over 90 percent of dogs are vaccinated against rabies, but only about 40 percent are licensed. Maine numbers are thought to be similar.

The suggested changes still must go through a formal rulemaking process, including public comments. They should move quickly to ensure that this simple change is made by Jan. 1, when new dog licenses are required.