Legislation By State

Delaware SB 147: would subject veterinarians to disciplinary action if they vaccinate more often than is recommended

Bill status | Bill text

This Bill creates a disciplinary action if a veterinarian gives vaccines in excess of the recommended dosages and/or frequencies.

Spurred by consumer concerns about over-vaccination of pets, authorities in Delaware and Minnesota separately are considering rules governing the frequency with which companion animals are immunized against rabies.

In Delaware, state Sen. Karen Peterson has introduced legislation that would subject veterinarians to disciplinary action if they vaccinate animals more often than is recommended by vaccine manufacturers.

In Minnesota, advocates for rules on rabies vaccination intervals are scheduled to address the state Veterinary Medical Board at its next meeting on Sept. 27.

In its present form, Delaware’s SB 147 covers all veterinary vaccinations. However, Peterson told the VIN News Service in an interview last week that she is likely to narrow its scope to rabies vaccination, as that is the only veterinary inoculation mandated by law.

Proposals in both states have caused a stir among practitioners, many of whom believe the issue is a medical matter to be decided between doctors and their clients.

Source: States consider controlling rabies vaccination intervals - Edie Lau, VIN News Service