United Board of Health
Considers Rabies Change

04/25/03

La Marque - At the meeting of the Galveston County United Board of Health held April 23rd, a change in the state’s rabies vaccination guidelines for pets was discussed. Members were informed by Martin Entringer, Director of the Galveston County Health District’s Environmental and Consumer Health Department, that the state now allows 3 year rabies vaccinations. Historically pet owners in Texas have been required to immunize their pets against rabies on a yearly basis.

Currently the ordinance in Galveston County is more restrictive and requires a yearly rabies vaccination for household pets. The United Board of Health will ultimately determine whether or not to adopt the new state guideline, which provides veterinarians and pet owners the option of using the three year vaccine.

At the board meeting, Entringer distributed information provided by the Texas Department of Health that outlined the pros and cons of both yearly and three-year vaccinations. Entringer stated, “Many veterinarians are currently using a three year vaccine, but administering it on an annual basis.” Some experts believe this over immunization could be harmful to pets. Others believe that owners will not have their pets examined annually, if they are only required to bring them in every three years for a rabies vaccination.

Board members requested a meeting of the District’s Animal Shelter Advisory Committee to review the new state guidelines, and related pros and cons. Carlos Zamora, DVM, a member of the United Board of Health, agreed to participate in the activities of the committee as they work to develop a recommendation to be presented at a future meeting of the United Board of Health. Before any change is made to the local ordinance, the public will be given an opportunity to comment.

No cases of rabies have been reported in the domestic animal population of Galveston County since the early 1980’s.

For More Information Contact:
Kurt Koopmann
Public Information Officer
Galveston County Health District
(409) 938-2211
kkoopman@gchd.org