Day: February 24, 2010

The USDA’s plan to allow each U.S. state to create and manage an independent animal disease traceback system raises questions about coordination and communication, and as such, AVMA cannot endorse the new plan, said CEO Ron DeHaven. “Clearly, the USDA must create a system that allows for quick and accurate traceback across state borders in an animal disease emergency or there is no point in the new system,” DeHaven said. CattleNetwork.com

The Rabies Control Board of Rhode Island is close to extending the state’s mandatory rabies vaccination interval from two to three years. A transitional policy has been developed so that pets who are current on their vaccination won’t need to receive unnecessary booster shots when the new rules take effect next month. The Providence Journal (R.I.)