RHODE ISLAND Rabies Control Board meets February 22 at 9:30 a.m. Room 370, Division of Agriculture, 235 Promenade Street, Providence– New 3 year rabies regulations to be discussed. http://sos.ri.gov/documents/publicinfo/omdocs/notices/13/2010/84585.pdf Concerned pet owners should make every effort to attend this meeting and ask their friends to do the same.

If you cannot attend the meeting, but want to voice your opinion, please contact the Chair of the Board, RI State Veterinarian, Dr. Scott Marshall at scott.marshall@dem.ri.gov phone: (401) 222-2781 ext. 4503 and ask that the regulatory change to the 3 year protocol be made effective as soon as possible.

**Rhode Island – 3 Year "Transition Policy" announced by State Vet 2/21/10

New R.I. Rabies Regulations Close to Approval**, Providence Journal 2/21/10 http://www.projo.com/health/content/rabies_vaccinations_02-21-10_QVHH1UG_v13.36f414d.html

"New rules, expected to go into effect about March 16, change the mandatory vaccination period from two to three years.

In the meantime, the state veterinarian, Dr. Scott Marshall, has created a transitional policy so that pets now protected aren?t reimmunized unnecessarily just because the old regulations have not yet expired. "

If you have questions about the transition policy, contact Dr. Scott Marshall at scott.marshall@dem.ri.gov phone: (401) 222-2781 ext. 4503