RHD In The US - RHD Policy Proposal
Prevention proposals:
1. Strict inspection standards in accordance with International OIE policies regarding the
importation of rabbit meat and rabbit products from RHD risk or infected countries, including
rabbit meat and rabbit meat by-products destined for use in the pet industries.2. That same standards be improved as necessary, ie; the regulations adopted by Mexico to keep myxomatosis from their Rabbit population are stricter and perhaps more effective
3. A complete ban on the use of rabbit meat or rabbit by-products used as a protein supplement in feeds intended to be fed to rabbits.
4. Warnings and education material disseminated to travelers to RHD risk or infected countries.
5. That meat processors in the US, who are regulated by the USDA be educated regarding RHD And that same are required to report any suspicious deaths.
Education proposals:
1. That USDA/APHIS inform all state veterinarians about RHD, the reporting sequence, the prevention
policies, etc., and that those state veterinarians inform all the veterinarians licensed to
practice within those states of those policies.2. United States USDA/APHIS programs to refer to rabbit Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease by it's true taxonomic name, thereby ending any possible confusion in educational efforts.
Emergency Management Proposal:
1. That, in the event of an outbreak, USDA/APHIS contacts all factions of the Rabbit interest
groups, in particular: the RHD in the US Coalition, the national House Rabbit Society, the
American Rabbit Breeders Association, the Rabbit Industry Council, American Association of
Laboratory Diagnosticians, the American Veterinary Medical Association, State Veterinarians,
and APHIS Area Veterinarians in Charge, and any other domestic rabbit organizations which
demonstrate a wide membership and have the means to disseminate immediate public warnings.2. That an amendment be made to the Animal Welfare Act of 1972 giving APHIS jurisdiction over the control of, Education regarding and any other steps necessary to safeguard Animals from foreign Animal diseases that effect Animals covered by the Act, and for funding to be established for such.
3. That in the event of an outbreak, animals who come in contact with Rabbits infected by the virus be tested as possible for ascertaining if same are carrying or infected by the virus.
4. That the strain and source of RHD be identified in all future incidents.
5. That eradication efforts be designed on a case by case basis, that no rabbit be euthanized unless doing so is asked for by the rabbits' caretaker or it can be proven that the rabbit poses a threat to other rabbits.
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runner, prince with the swift warning.
Be cunning and full of tricks, and your people
shall never be destroyed."
-- Frith to El-ahrairah as told by DandelionFrom Watership Down, by Richard Adams ©1972
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