Bulletin Board

January 17, 2011

Dr. Bill Hartmann, State Veterinarian
Minnesota Board of Animal Health
625 Robert Street North
St. Paul, MN 55155

RE: Rabies Vaccination Rulemaking for Minnesota Pets

Greetings Dr. Hartmann:

It has come to our attention that the Minnesota Board of Animal Health is
in the process of developing a rabies vaccination rule for Minnesota’s
dogs, cats, and ferrets to establish a consistent rabies protocol throughout
the state.

The Rabies Challenge Fund Charitable Trust respectfully requests that your
Department consider drafting the new rule based, in part, on the language
contained in Florida’s rabies statute, Title XLVI Chapter 828, and that
initial vaccination be required at the age of six (6) months as in the
protocols of Delaware, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, and West Virginia. Florida,
along with the states of Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, and
Wisconsin all have medical exemption clauses in their rabies regulations for
animals deemed by a veterinarian to be too ill to be vaccinated, and we request
that Minnesota’s new regulation include a similar exemption.

Below is proposed language that The Rabies Challenge Fund Charitable Trust
asks that you consider in your deliberations:

(1) All dogs, cats, and ferrets 6 months of age or older must be
vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian against rabies with a vaccine that is licensed
by the United States Department of Agriculture for use in those species.
The owner of every dog, cat, and ferret shall have the animal revaccinated
12 months after the initial vaccination. Thereafter, the interval between
vaccinations shall conform to the vaccine manufacturer's directions. The cost
of vaccination must be borne by the animal's owner.

(2) A dog, cat, or ferret is exempt from vaccination against rabies if a
licensed veterinarian has examined the animal and has certified in writing
that at the time vaccination would endanger the animal's health because of
its age, infirmity, disability, illness, or other medical considerations. An
exempt animal must be vaccinated against rabies as soon as its health
permits.

(3) Upon vaccination against rabies, the licensed veterinarian shall
provide the animal's owner and the animal control authority with a rabies
vaccination certificate. Each animal control authority and veterinarian shall use
the "Rabies Vaccination Certificate" of the National Association of State
Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV) or an equivalent form approved by the
local government that contains all the information required by the NASPHV
Rabies Vaccination Certificate. The veterinarian who administers the rabies
vaccine to an animal as required under this section may affix his or her
signature stamp in lieu of an actual signature.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please feel
free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Kris L. Christine
Founder & Co-Trustee
The Rabies Challenge Fund
_www.RabiesChallengeFund.org_
(http://cts.vresp.com/c/?RabiesChallengeFund/7fa8ced851/39366366df/6473d8ba9d)
_ledgespring@lincoln.midcoast.com_
(mailto:ledgespring@lincoln.midcoast.com)

cc: Dr. W. Jean Dodds
Dr. Ronald Schultz
Minnesota Legislature

AKC Canine Health Foundation News
>Alert
>
Purina Parent Club Partnership Participants Fund $500,000 in Canine Health
>Research [Tuesday, September 21, 2010]
The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is pleased to announce that the Purina
>Parent Club Partnership (PPCP) has not only raised significant funds to support
>health research (more than $3 million since its inception in 2002), but that those
>funds have also been released to sponsor specific research studies - $500,000 in
>2010 alone.
>
> Purina Pro Club members who elect to participate in the PPCP Program and designate a particular
>club accrue donations for their breed when they submit weight circles from qualifying
>Purina brand dog foods. Points are accumulated all year and a check representing
>10 percent of the value of the submitted weight circles is evenly split between
>the breed club's Donor Advised Fund (DAF) at the AKC Canine Health Foundation and
>the parent club, where funds may be used at the club's discretion for canine health
>research, education or rescue.
>
> Parent Clubs know their breeds best. Therefore, the donations to the CHF Donor
>Advised Funds are used to support research, based on the recommendation of the Parent
>Club. Once those recommendations are received from the Parent Club, DAF monies are
>released and are used to fund canine health research projects approved by CHF.
>
> In 2009, more than 165 national parent breed clubs participated in the PPCP
>Program, raising nearly $600,000. Of these PPCP-participating clubs, more than 50%
>have used their PPCP monies to support canine health research in 2010. These clubs
>have taken the funds from their breed Donor Advised Fund at the AKC Canine Health
>Foundation and used it to sponsor research approved and funded by the CHF.
>
> For information about participating in the Purina Parent Club Partnership (PPCP)
>Program and helping to raise funds for your national parent club and the AKC Canine
>Health Foundation, visit
>name=www_purinaproclub_com target="_blank">Purina Pro Club<http://links.mkt2242.com/ctt?kn=6&m=3133130&r=MTAxMTI5Njk4MzQS1&b=0&j=OTY1MzUwMTMS1&mt=1&rt=0> or call toll-free (877) PRO-CLUB or (877) 776-2582.
>
> The Opportunity
>
> Parent clubs receive funding through the PPCP Program based on the number of
>members participating and their submissions of weight circles. Fundraising can be
>difficult for parent clubs, yet it is needed to promote club activities. Many clubs
>choose to help fund AKC Canine Health Foundation grants in which researchers aim
>to better understand the genetics behind health conditions that affect their breeds
>as well as develop better treatments and more accurate ways of diagnosing disease.
>Others use the funding to support educational or rescue programs. Regardless how
>the funding is used it provides another source of revenue to advance the betterment
>of dogs everywhere.
>
> Pro Club members are encouraged to support participation within your respective
>clubs - let's continue to stamp out canine disease for all our dogs!
>
>

>name=<http://links.mkt2242.com/ctt?kn=3&m=3133130&r=MTAxMTI5Njk4MzQS1&b=0&j=OTY1MzUwMTMS1&mt=1&rt=0>http://www.akcchf.org/research/grants/search/index.cfm?search=disease<http://www.akcchf.org/research/grants/search/index.cfm?search=disease> target="_blank">Click
>here for additional information about the active research the CHF has funded.

>name=www_akcchf_org_donate_don_1 target="_blank">You can help by providing financial
>support to the AKC Canine Health Foundation's efforts; click here to make a secure
>online donation and please consider a recurring gift<http://links.mkt2242.com/ctt?kn=1&m=3133130&r=MTAxMTI5Njk4MzQS1&b=0&j=OTY1MzUwMTMS1&mt=1&rt=0>.
Contact:
> Erika Werne
> Director of Education & Communications
> AKC Canine Health Foundation
> 919-334-4010
> 888-682-9696
>
>name=www_CanineHealthFoundation_org target="_blank"><http://links.mkt2242.com/ctt?kn=8&m=3133130&r=MTAxMTI5Njk4MzQS1&b=0&j=OTY1MzUwMTMS1&mt=1&rt=0>www.CanineHealthFoundation.org<http://www.caninehealthfoundation.org/>
The AKC Canine Health Foundation, founded in 1995, is the largest nonprofit worldwide to fund health research
>exclusively for canines. Our goal is to help dogs live longer, healthier lives.
>The AKC Canine Health Foundation is the leader in non-invasive genetic health research,
>stem cell research, and biotherapeutics benefiting both canines and humans.
>Through the generous financial support of the American Kennel Club, Nestlé Purina PetCare Co., and Pfizer Animal Health, as well as thousands of clubs and individuals, we're proud to announce
>we have allocated nearly $24 million to canine health research at veterinary schools
>and research institutions worldwide.

American Kennel Club Announces Most Popular Dogs
Labrador Retriever Remains America's Most Popular Dog as German
Shepherd Makes A Move For The Top Spot

Breeds That Help Keep Us Safe Dominate the Top 5

NEW YORK, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For the 19th consecutive
year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in
America, but could this be the last year for the Lab's reign?

According to American Kennel Club® (AKC) 2009 registration statistics
released today during a press conference at Grand Central Terminal in
New York City, the German Shepherd Dog overtook the Yorkshire Terrier
last year and is now ranked second most popular in the nation for the
first time in more than three decades.

An American favorite since the time of Rin Tin Tin, the German
Shepherd Dog became the number one breed of the 1920s, but then
slipped in popularity until after World War II.

"Labs have been America's top dog for nearly two decades due to their
loyal and gentle nature," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "But
the German Shepherd Dog has gained ground recently, quite possibly due
to the increased attention they receive for their security efforts at
home and abroad. Hailed as the world's leading police, guard and
military dog, this energetic and fun-loving breed is a loyal family
pet, ideal companion and dependable K-9 partner when duty calls."

2009 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.

1. Labrador Retriever

2. German Shepherd Dog

3. Yorkshire Terrier

4. Golden Retriever

5. Beagle

6. Boxer

7. Bulldog

8. Dachshund

9. Poodle

10. Shih Tzu

WORKING K-9s "SNIFF OUT" THE TOP 10

The German Shepherd Dog isn't the only breed Americans will spot at
the airport or train terminal when they travel – Labradors, Golden
Retrievers and Beagles work throughout the country to keep the
homeland safe. These AKC registered breeds are used by law enforcement
military and homeland security personnel for a variety of tasks
ranging from border patrol, bomb and narcotics detection, to searching
for missing persons and tracking down fugitives.

These four breeds were developed for various forms of hunting or
herding, but the traits that made them so effective at these jobs,
such as strong scenting ability of the Beagle, the eager-to-please
attitude of the Golden Retriever and Labrador, and the bold nature of
the German Shepherd, make them effective in their careers today.

"Despite advances in security technology, the canine and its unique
abilities remain a valued resource for the military and law
enforcement agencies that work to keep us safe," said Peterson. "The
loyalty, intelligence and hardworking nature which make these breeds
desirable as K-9 partners in the field also contribute to their status
as valuable companions in the hearts of dog owners around the nation."

PET PREFERENCES: FIFTY OF THE LARGEST CITIES

Top trends in 50 large cities in the U.S. include:

    • The ever-popular Lab is slowly losing ground in some towns – more
U.S. cities featured a breed other than the Labrador Retriever in its
top spot this year than in 2008. The breeds responsible for ousting
the 19 year national favorite? The German Shepherd ranked first in
Columbus, Detroit, Honolulu, Memphis, Miami, Providence and West Palm
Beach; the Yorkshire Terrier triumphed in Oakland, Tampa, NYC, and
Philadelphia; the Bulldog rose to the top in L.A.; and the Bull
Terrier was a favorite in Newark, NJ.
    • The Bulldog is a favorite in California, perhaps due to celeb
owners such as Adam Sandler, Kelly Osborne and John Legend. The breed
reached the top spot in Los Angeles, the only city where it currently
reigns as number one. The wrinkled pooch nearly reached the top in San
Diego as well, coming in at the 2nd spot.
    • South Florida loves its German Shepherd Dog. The breed ranks first
in West Palm Beach as well as Miami, where it has held the top spot
since 2002, the first year the American Kennel Club started tracking
city registration statistics.
    • Providence is the only U.S. city where the Labrador Retriever does
not factor into the Top 5. Despite ranking second in 2008, the breed
dropped off the list, making room for the German Shepherd in first
place, along with the Yorkshire Terrier, Golden Retriever, Boxer and
Poodle.
    • Unusual breeds on local top five lists include the Bull Terrier
(1st in Newark), the Mastiff (4th in Des Moines), the Miniature
Pinscher and Shetland Sheepdog (3rd and 5th, respectively, in
Richmond) and the Chihuahua (3rd in Honolulu). =

I have talked to many of you on this topic and have gathered information over time and now I like to share with all my dog friends. This is something all of us, especially living in Minnesota's tick belt should be keenly aware off. Julie, I wonder if we should consider an article to this regard in our German Shepherd club newsletter??

ticks are around for most part of the year but especially "active" spring/early summer and again in fall when we seem to find a disproportionate amount of deer ticks (if you can find them that is - usullay blood filled)
as per my vet - not all ticks carry lymes
even if you immunize for lymes, your dogs is not necessarely 100% protected and we do blood tests (check with your vet regarding frequency); and since the protection is not certain I do not immunize my dogs and add another agent to their bodies
I am 100% convinced I ultimately lost my German Shepherd Remmington to the topically applied tick/flea products. Within hours after each application (observed twice) Remmington had extreem reactions warranting emergency trips to the UofM, with him being unable to move or lay down, eat or anything for days after application. The suffering he went through was heartbreaking to watch and he was never the same afterwards and eventually died of cancer of the spleen. I learned the hard way that topically applied products enter the body (of course, that's the point) and can damage organs. My rule now: if I dont want it on my body, I dont want it on my dogs body! Contact to the manufacturer and EPA where inconclusive at that time, however since then the EPA has gathered a host of information on how many dogs have suffered and died - see attached link to EPA
http://www.avma.org/aa/EPA_flea_tick_product_scrutiny.asp

Here are some of the alternative ways people approach tick control:

the obvious - groom and check your dogs daily
feed garlic, tablets and power forms make this easy. For best control feed year round. I purchase mine form www.springtimeinc.com . There was a clear and definite difference between how many ticks I picked off my male (who was added to our family last February) and my female who has been on garlic for several years - just a few ticks on her all season, but during peak time I picked ticks off Kahn daily - needles to say, he is on garlic now.
consider the following natural alternatives and check out these links:

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/tick-repellant.html#

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/safe-effective-tick-spray-formula.html

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/green-girl-ticks-off-ticks.html

http://www.earthworkshealth.com/pets-animals.php?gclid=CPvxg8uDsJoCFQ9JagodThy0dA

http://www.thewholedog.org/EOFleas.html - I thought this was especially good - it says how dangerous frontline and others are!!!! I suscribe to this monthly newsletter which I find to be an excellet source especialy the annual food evaluations and a host of other interesting dog info
http://www.goldenacresdogs.com/bugstuff.htm

I got this information from a friend: "I have also made the ear wash and it REALLY works!!!!"

All-Natural Insect Repellent for Dogs
Do NOT use essential oils on toy breeds or cats without first consulting a knowledgeable holistic veterinarianfor safety protocols - essential oils containing phenols may be dangerous to toy breeds and cats!!

Into 12 oz. of Idaho Tansy, Peppermint, or
Lavender Floral Water, mix...
30 drops of Purification Essential Oil Blend
10 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil and
10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
...and spritz as necessary!

This mixture smells wonderful and, if therapeutic-grade oils are used, is safe to use repeatedly throughout the dayon your dogs, on you, and even on your kids! In situations and environments where insects are extremely concentrated, drop a few drops of each essential oil into your hand, and massage it through your dogs coat, paying special attention to the legs and areas with less coat. Be careful to avoid direct contact with the eyes.

All-Natural Ear Wash for Dogs
Do NOT use essential oils on toy breeds or cats without first consulting a knowledgeable holistic veterinarian for safety protocols - essential oils with phenols may be dangerous to toy breeds and cats!!

Mix the following ingredients and use generously to flush your dog?s ears.
Fill the ear canal and massage gently for 30 seconds and then let the dog
shake his head to release the loosened dirt and debris. Wipe ear flap
gently with a clean towel. If your dog has a bacterial ear infection or
yeast overgrowth, please call or email for alternative recommendations -
antibiotics may NOT be necessary!
1 cup Organic Aloe Juice
1 Cup Witch Hazel
3 TBLS Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
5 drops therapeutic-grade Lavender Essential Oil
10 drops therapeutic-grade Melrose Essential Oil Blend

IMPORTANT: We have been doing research on essential oils, and have gained some very disturbing, yet very important, new knowledge! At least 95% of the essential oils available in the world are "cosmetic grade", which means they are are improperly distilled, adulterated, mixed with carrier oils, and/or even mislabeled (for example, many "Lavenders" sold in Health Food Stores in the United States are actually Lavandin (Lavandula x hybrida - a hybrid of Lavender) - which is a completely different plant (and, hence, oil) than Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia). Lavandin contains chemical constituents which burn the skin, while true Lavender is actually used to heal burns!! Many people who have read that Lavender helps to heal burns have gone to their local Health Food Store, purchase a bottle of "100% pure Lavender Oil", which was really Lavandin, and have applied it to their minor burns only to end up with a more serious burn!) Not all essential oils are the same, in fact, MOST essential oils available in the United States are simply plant oils that smell good. To use oils therapeutically and safely, it is important to understand the difference! READ THE LABEL! Cosmetic-grade (unsafe for internal and therapeutic use!) oils will state "For External Use Only"; therapeutic grade oils will state, "For dietary or topical use." Please use only organic, therapeutic-grade essential oils on your family - both two legged and four! As far as I can tell, Young Living Essential Oils is the only company in the United States distilling and providing therapeutic grade oils with AFNOR and FDA certification. There are other such companies in other countries(particularly France), but the large majority of essential oil manufacturers are producing cosmetic grade oils (and the United States
consumers are being duped!! In Europe, the "every day consumer" knows the difference, since Essential Oils have been used medicinally there for years!).

For more information, please email or call! Click here to learn more about Young Living therapeutic-grade essential oils

I do not have a link, but you can look it up - FYI I am not a distributor of Young Living Essential Oils nor was this sent to me by a distributor !!! However I do use some of these oils and find them to be effective.

http://www.goldenacresdogs.com/essential_oils_for_healthy_anima.htm Here
is another good page