Public hearing on rabies scheduled
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on September 4, 2016 1:45 AM
A public hearing will be held during this month's Wayne County Board of Health meeting, to discuss a proposed rule for postexposure management of rabies for cats and dogs.
The board meets Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 12:15 p.m. in the third floor conference room of the county office building, 301 N. Herman St.
The proposal, released by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, division of public health, gives authority to local health directors. Boards of health across the state were requested to consider the recommendations and guidelines for rabies postexposure management, in compliance with current national recommendations, created by the National Association of State Public Health veterinarians.
The N.C. Division of Public Health had prepared legislation for the 2016 short session of the General Assembly that would have amended the way animals exposed to rabies were handled, but it was never introduced as a bill during the session.
The proposed changes are expected to result in fewer dogs and cats being euthanized, shorter quarantine periods (four months rather than six) and allow for more 45-day, at home, observations for animals up to date on immunizations.
The local Board of Health briefly discussed the topic during its August meeting.
"There are two trains of thought on this coming out," Health Director Davin Madden said. "We could adopt this as a policy or adopt this as a rule.
"My opinion is, I think it should be considered a rule. A policy doesn't carry the same authority."
Upon adoption, it would be effective countywide, he said.
Dr. Osbone Wilder, a veterinarian and board member, said the guidelines are based on new evidence dealing with rabies in animals.
The old rules were very specific, he said -- if an animal was out of date on vaccinations, even by one day, the animal could be quarantined up to six months at a location of the veterinarian's choosing. The owner would have to pay for everything, including having the animal euthanized.
"The old rules were pretty black and white," he said. "These new rules are more realistic. It gives more leeway.
"I think these new rules are good and they're more realistic and save owners some grief."
At the same time, he added, the updated changes will still protect the public.
A copy of the proposed rule adoption is available for public inspection at the health director's office on the first floor of the Health Department.