There has been a lot of concern in the animal community as of late over the fact that veterinarians are now required in Virginia to report within 45 days of giving a rabies vaccination all of the pertinent information contained in that rabies certificate to the Treasurer of the locality in which they practice.  As of today the law only applies to dogs. In theory, it is to assure that dogs are properly licensed in individual localities.  The concern has been brought up about our right to privacy and the fact that owners of certain breeds may be reluctant to have this information known publicly for fear that certain breeds may be targeted in areas were localities would prefer they not reside.  As an animal owner, you should already be aware of the licensing requirements of the locality in which you choose to reside. Requiring dogs to have city or county tags is by no means a new concept.
My concern as a veterinarian is that the policy may lead certain dog owners to forego vaccinating their pets for rabies at all.  Rabies is a deadly disease of mammals that can be prevented with vaccination protocols. Because of improved rabies vaccination programs for pets and better treatment for people who are bitten, rabies cases among humans in this country are rare.  The best way to prevent the spread of rabies to humans is by keeping pets properly vaccinated.
As of August 11, 2007 the State of Virginia has reported 451 cases of laboratory confirmed rabies in animals.  This number includes dogs and cats as well as wild animals like raccoons, foxes and skunks.  This number is up sixteen percent over the same time last year and I have to wonder about the cases not confirmed by laboratory testing.  I would have to hope that in light of the significant number of cases in our state that pet owners would look past the inconvenience and privacy issues and continue to help prevent this deadly disease by properly vaccinating their animals against rabies

Today’s blog was written by Dr. Angela Ivey, director of veterinary medicine at the Richmond SPCA. Dr. Ivey spent many years in private veterinary practice before joining the medical staff at the Richmond SPCA in 2004.

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