House of Representatives

SB 1283

rabies quarantine; procedures

Sponsor: Senator Verkamp

 

DP

Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture

X

Committee on Counties and Municipalities

 

Caucus and COW

 

Third Read

 

 

As Passed the House

 

SB1283 grants the authority to declare a rabies quarantine area to the county board of supervisors instead of the county board of health.

 

Current Status

SB 1283 was passed in the Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee unamended.

 

History

Each county board of supervisors is required to appoint a county board of health.  The board of health consists of a physician, a member of the board of supervisors and a number of citizen members depending on the number of supervisiorial districts.  Current law authorizes the county board of health to declare a rabies quarantine area within its jurisdiction.

 

Coconino County declared a rabies quarantine in 2001 due to an outbreak of the virus in the local skunk population.  Dog and cat owners within a 35-mile radius of Flagstaff had to vaccinate their pets and keep them in a secure location for 90 days.

 

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. All mammals including humans are susceptible. Rabies is transmitted by contact with saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite wound.

 

Provisions

·          Repeals a section of statute that granted the county board of health the authority to declare a rabies quarantine area.

·          Authorizes the county board of supervisors to designate a rabies quarantine area, based on the recommendation of the county board of health or the local health department.

·          Requires the county board of supervisors to meet with the county board of health and the county enforcement agent to institute an emergency control program in the quarantine area.

·          Requires the State Veterinarian to develop any regulations regarding movement of livestock in a rabies quarantine area.

·          Makes technical and conforming changes.

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·          45th Legislature                 

·          Second Regular Session      2          April 11, 2002

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