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Rep. Bartholomew seeks formal VVMA role in certified rabies-vaccination program in H.841
Summary
Rep. John Bartholomew introduced an amendment to H.841 to require the Division of Animal Welfare to collaborate with the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association in developing rules and training humane officers as certified rabies vaccinators; the committee recorded a favorable thumbs tally of 7-0-3.
Representative John Bartholomew introduced an amendment to H.841 on March 17 that would require the Division of Animal Welfare to work collaboratively with the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA) in developing rules for a certified rabies-vaccination program and to authorize training humane officers as certified rabies vaccinators.
Bartholomew, who identified himself as a veterinarian, said the change sharpens language in the bill as passed on Friday, replacing a provision that the director of animal welfare "shall consult with Vermont veterinarians" with a requirement to "work collaboratively with the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association" in developing and administering the program. "We need to be very careful when we consider changes to how we manage rabies vaccination in animals," he said, arguing that veterinarians bring public-health and epidemiology expertise that should be built into program design.
The amendment also authorizes the Division "in collaboration with the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association" to establish training for humane officers to serve as certified rabies vaccinators, language Bartholomew said was agreed with the director of animal welfare, Lisa Mylott, and the VVMA. He noted the VVMA "has been around since 1898 and has 360 member veterinarians," saying the association can identify veterinarians willing to work with the division.
Representative Waters voiced support on the floor, saying clearer direction to the director of animal welfare "is fantastic" and that she remains supportive of the amendment. With no further questions, the moderator called for a show of thumbs; the moderator announced a favorable tally reported as "7 0 3." The amendment was presented for the record and will be transmitted with the bill as the committee advances it to the floor.
The committee did not record a named mover, second, or individual vote-by-name in the transcript; the tally announced in the meeting was "7 0 3."
