> From: April Campbell <[log in to unmask]> > Subject: RE: Maine regulations that need updating Here is the info on ferrets in Maine with regard to Rabies laws. I did my research way back when the FML was lobbying for states to accept the 1998 Rabies Compendium and bookmarked them for future reference. Sukie Crandal did all the work to get the Compendium officially accepted in Maine. At the time I made the bookmarks the State was still working on updates to their Rabies pamphlet. Here are the links to the official info and the legal notices of adoption of the changes to the rules. The first few links are to official state publications from DHS and DDC in Maine. http://janus.state.me.us/dhs/boh/ddc/sumrabies.htm http://janus.state.me.us/dhs/boh/ddc/indexnew.htm Rabies Fact Sheet published by the State of Maine by DHS: http://www.state.me.us/dhs/etl/rabies/rabiesfacts.htm This next note is an excerpt from the actual proposal for and acceptance of changes to the rules to include ferrets (full content can be found at http://www.state.me.us/sos/cec/rcn/apa/notices/062498.htm ) June 24, 1998 Rule-Making Notice as it appears in 5 daily Maine newspapers NOTICE OF STATE RULE-MAKING AGENCY: 10-144 - Department of Human Services, Bureau of Health, Division of Disease Control RULE TITLE OR SUBJECT: Ch. 251, Rules Governing Rabies Management PROPOSED RULE NUMBER: 98-P121 CONCISE SUMMARY: The purpose of the proposed rule changes is to clarify the references made to isolation, confinement and quarantine of an animal involved in a rabies exposure. The words isolation and confinement have been removed and substituted with "quarantine". The new rules also allow for quarantine of animals in the home rather than only in a licensed kennel or veterinary hospital. Ferrets are now included in any reference made to cats and dogs and are no longer a distinct entity when rabies exposure is an issue. The need for building a "home quarantine pen" per manual specifications is no longer required as it was felt to be unrealistic. Lastly, the rules were changed to ensure that if an animal is removed from the quarantine facility during the quarantine period, the animal be on a tether no longer than 6 feet. THIS RULE WILL NOT HAVE A FISCAL IMPACT ON MUNICIPALITIES. STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 22 MRSA =A71313, 1313-A, 1313-B PUBLIC HEARING: None scheduled; one may be requested. DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS: July 27,1998 AGENCY CONTACT PERSON: Diane Williams, R.N., Disease Control, 11 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333 TELEPHONE: 287-5192 And the follow-up public notice when it was officially adopted: September 2, 1998 Rule-Making Notice as it appears in 5 daily Maine newspapers NOTICE OF STATE RULE-MAKING AGENCY: 10-144 - Department of Human Services, Bureau of Health CHAPTER NUMBER AND TITLE: Ch. 251, Rules Governing Rabies Management ADOPTED RULE NUMBER: 98-361 CONCISE SUMMARY: The rule changes clarify the references made in the previous rules to "isolation", "confinement", and "quarantine" of an animal involved in a rabies exposure. The words "isolation" and "confinement" have been removed and substituted with "quarantine". The new rules also allow for the quarantine of animals in the home rather than only (in some situations) in a licensed kennel or veterinary hospital. The requirement for building a home quarantine pen as per specifications in the manual have been removed. Ferrets are now included in any reference presently made to dogs and cats. They will no longer be required to be euthanized if they bite a person. The new rules, based on new scientific evidence, will treat ferrets the same as for dogs and cats in regards to quarantine issues and booster doses of rabies vaccine when required. Lastly, the rules were changed to ensure that if an animal is removed from the place of quarantine, the animal must be on a tether no longer than 6 feet. EFFECTIVE DATE: August 25, 1998 AGENCY CONTACT PERSON: Diane Williams AGENCY NAME: Bureau of Health ADDRESS: 11 State House Station, 157 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TELEPHONE: 287-5301 TTY: 287-4471 (Deaf/Hard of Hearing) [Posted in FML issue 3914]