Attention, folks in Nebraska: The state epidemiologist (Sorry, did not get
his name from Diane) says that he still hasn't gotten a copy of the '98
Compendium of Animal Rabies Control, even though Diane Rogers of the AFA
mailed one 10 days ago and the Committee definitely sent one, because of
health department offices being moved.  She is sending another one by post,
and if that one doesn't get there she is prepared to fax one, though she was
told that the fax capacity isn't up right yet.  Your state epidemiologist
told her that once the Compendium is received he doesn't foresee any
barriers to a rapid change to follow those quarantine recommendations.  He
also said he's received a number of polite but concerned calls recently from
Nebraska ferret owners (THANK YOU!!!!!), and those make him more inclined to
want to get this underway.  Are any of you located near the health offices,
and if so, would you like to get a copy of the current JAVMA from your vet
and photostat the Compendium to hand to him (or to someone else with a
receipt stating what it is and to whom it is going), or could we arrange to
have Diane or Pam send you a copy if you'd like to hand it over?  Let's take
the gent at his word, and politely but firmly see that he has this crucial
document despite the move and mail problems, and that he then gets
quarantine for Nebraska.  (Please, also try to find out how autonomous the
local departments are since that will determine whether you should also
pursue legislation in the future.)
 
Alaska's health department folks have told Diane that they have recently
been learning about the '98 Compendium (Progress!), but that the person who
has to support and formalize the decision is away still for over a week and
will call Diane at her return.
 
Sukie
[Posted in FML issue 2193]