APHIS Rabies Vaccine Issue

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The following letters were provided to Howling Woods Farm in response to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) proposed rule to change the definition of the term "dog" to include not only domestic dogs but also wolves and wolf-dog crosses. While it is widely acknowledged the current canine rabies vaccine is effective for dogs, wolves and wolfdogs, the outdated APHIS definition of the term "dog" does not include wolves or wolf-dog crosses. Consequently wolfdogs in many areas of the country are outlawed or euthanized due to the mistaken belief they cannot be effectively vaccinated for rabies (ignoring the fact veterinarians, zoos and wildlife sanctuaries have been vaccinating these animals effectively for decades).

These testimonials are from State Veterinarians in New Jersey, Alabama & Oregon, 15 local veterinarians, academic scientists, attorneys, wolf rescue organizations, individuals, and a vaccine manufacturer, all of whom advocate the effectiveness of the canine rabies vaccine for wolves and wolfdogs.

These documents may prove useful to anyone who owns wolfdog and is challenged by their veterinarian or local animal control regarding the effectiveness of the rabies vaccine.

Additional information provided includes APHIS vaccine development protocols and the APHIS rulemaking processes.

Faye E. Sorhage, New Jersey State Public Health Veterinarian Oct 5, 2009 (If not viewable save to local file and open)

Donna M. Gatewood, DVM, MS, Section Leader, Virology, USDA/APHIS/VS/CVB

Public list of Commenters

U nited States Wolf Refuge, Arizona American Animal Hospital Association, Colorado

Andrew Clark, State Veterinarian, Oregon

William Johnson, State Veterinarian, Alabama

Fort Dodge Animal Health, Iowa

N.E. Federoff, Wildlife Biologist, Virginia

Diane Delbridge, DVM, Oklahoma

William Ridenour, DVM, West Virginia

Lorri Stewart, DVM, Michigan