Rabies vaccine bill #469sponsored by Senator Larry Dixon

Jackie Whitebread to trip.pittman

show details 7:11 PM (9 minutes ago)

Reply

Dear Senator Pittman,

We recently returned to Fairhope, AL and are delighted to be back in the south with the one exception of putting our beloved pets (two dogs) health at risk because of the requirement for an annual rabies vaccine. We lost one dog (a wonderful therapy dog loved by many patients and others) due to a possible adverse immune response.

Folks in the west think we were crazy to wish to return to the south. Little do they know the beauty, the gracious living, the wonderfully independent attitude and basically a saner, kinder way of life. However, this is one area where I believe Alabama is behind the times and for the first time in my life I may violate the law. This is very uncomfortable for me and also I will not be able to use my pets as therapy dogs as they will clearly have to be isolated from exposure to other dogs or folks in medical facilities that welcome therapy animals.

This is such a catch 22 situation. Would if not be possible to require a titer (a measure of the level of rabies immunity) for year two and three, rather than the dangerous mandatory vaccine? Or better, join the other 49 states in having a three year interval for the rabies vaccine.

Thank you for any attention you might give to my concerns.

Jackie Whitebread, ret. RN