West Virginia's new 3 year rabies law will be effective 90 days (June 13) from the bill's passage on March 8 http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=HB4407 SUB ENR.htm&yr=2010&sesstype=RS&i=4407 .
WV PET OWNERS CONCERNED ABOUT THE REMOVAL OF A MEDICAL EXEMPTION IN THE ORIGINAL HB4407 SHOULD CONTACT DR. KINDER AT THE NUMBERS AND E-MAIL ADDRESS (below) TO LET HIM KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS!
Unfortunately, the legislature took the medical exemption clause out of the original bill filed by Del. Guthrie. The state's Public Health Veterinarian, Dr. Gary Kinder (304) 558-2214 Ext. 4640 Cell Phone: (304) 546-9560 or gkinder@ag.state.wv.us , e-mailed me that he and the Department of Agriculture would not oppose a bill changing the law to 3 years, but that they would oppose the inclusion of a medical exemption clause. The exemption clause filed in the original bill was removed.
Rabies vaccines labeled instructions state that they are for healthy dogs and cats. There must be pets in West Virginia battling systemic cancers, hemolytic anemia, and other diseases for which rabies boosters could pose a life-threatening risk – Dr. Kinder should explain his position to West Virginia pet owners whose animals are or may be impacted by this amendment to the original bill.
