House of Representatives

SB 1283

rabies quarantine; procedures

Sponsor: Senator Verkamp

 

DP

Committee on Natural Resources & Agriculture

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Committee on Counties & Municipalities

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Caucus and COW

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Third Read

 

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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.

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          May 3, 2002

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