TVMA News

State Veterinarian's Office News

1 and 3 Year Rabies Vaccinations

State law, at least since 2004, simply states that it is unlawful to own a dog or cat that is 6 months of age or older that is not vaccinated against rabies.  Frequency of vaccination is not mentioned in the TCA, leaving veterinarians free to use currently available US licensed products as they see fit consistent with label instructions.  In order to implement/enforce the anti-rabies law, the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) rules have the below requirement, which clearly states that both 1 and 3 year vaccines and frequency are allowed....

1200-14-1-.33 RABIES VACCINATION SCHEDULE OF DOGS AND CATS.

It shall be the duty of every owner to have his dog or cat vaccinated against rabies after the dog reaches three

months of age, the cat six months of age. Regardless of the type of licensed vaccine used or the age of the animal at

the time of the first (primary) vaccination, the animal shall be revaccinated one year later. Following the first two

vaccinations, booster vaccinations will be due at either one or three year intervals in accordance with the approved

duration of immunity of the specific vaccine used and the species vaccinated. The required due date for

revaccination shall be placed on the certificate by the veterinarian administering the vaccine. As part of their

registration and rabies control programs, local jurisdictions may have more stringent requirements, such as annual

rabies vaccinations regardless of vaccine type used.

The TVMA published a statement supporting the position that specific rabies vaccination frequencies not be written into laws, rules, or ordinances, but that this be a decision between veterinarian and client that keeps the dog/cat currently vaccinated.  National guidance from the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV) supports this position, too.  NASPHV also guides veterinarians to always use a 3-year vaccine regardless of how frequently (every 1 year or every 3 years) it's given---this is thought to provide the most protection possible and allows some wiggle room if booster doses are missed or stopped.

The state has had two cases of rabies in horses this year. The veterinarian may want to advise his clients to vaccinate their horses as well.

One Health...One Environment...One World

September 11-14, the Tennessee Public Health Association is focusing their annual convention on the topic of One Health...One Environment...One World.  The "One Health" concept stresses the need for human and animal health professionals to collaborate in order to face environmental hazards including emerging infectious diseases and shared toxic exposures.  

The program will feature several veterinarians including Lisa Conti, DVM, MPH, DACVPH, Yale Medical School; Lonnie King, DVM, MS, MPA, DAVPM, Dean of the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine; Christine Ellis, DVM, MPH, Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine; Carina Blackmore, DVM, PhD, ACVPM, Florida State Public Health Veterinarian; and Kirk Smith, DVM, MS, PhD, Supervisor, Foodborne, Vectorborne, and Zoonotic Diseases Unit, Minnesota Department of Health.  

The convention will be held at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs.  For registration information, click here.

2012 Legislative Wrap-up - Click here to read the legislative report from Meagan Frazier.

Animal Hospice Awareness Day - To promote the need for greater understanding and education in the area of pet end-of-life care, the second annual Animal Hospice Awareness Day will be held November 3, 2012.  Veterinarians, their support staff, and pet parents alike are beginning to openly recognize that terminal illness and the dying process are different from normal life stages. Our animals need extra support, both medically and mentally, to move forward into death as easily as possible, be that through a natural passing or euthanasia.  Animal Hospice Awareness Day offers the chance to promote the mission of hospice care on both a local and national level. Read More... 

July 27, 2012 Arthur Dogswell LLC Voluntarily Recalls Catswell Brand Vitakitty Chicken Breast With Flaxseed And VitaminsBecause Of Possible Health Risk Has the potential to contain propylene glycol 

• August - National Immunization Awareness Month
• August 4-7 - AVMA Annual Convention - San Diego, CA
• Sept 9 - The Pet Memorial Day - UT College of Veterinary Medicine
• Sept 11-14 - Tennessee Public Health Association Annual Convention
• November 1-4 - IAAHCP Annual Convention - Denver, CO
• November 3 - Animal Hospice Awareness Day
• March 1-3, 2013 - MCVC