VIRGINIA– Medical Exemption Clause Legislation--HB 322 Rabies vaccination; exempts certain dogs and cats. http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?ses=101&typ=bil&val=hb322&Submit2=Go Introduced by Delegate Kenneth R. Plum passed the House UNANIMOUSLY Feb. 15, goes to full Senate floor this week.

"Animal care; rabies vaccination. Requires the Board of Health to provide, by regulation, an exemption to the requirement that an owner of a dog or cat must have his animal vaccinated for rabies if the veterinarian determines that the dog or cat has an underlying medical condition that is likely to result in a life-threatening condition in response to the vaccination. "

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VIRGINIA–HB322 Rabies Medical Exemption Clause passed the House and Senate and has gone to Governor McDonnell for signature. Delegate Plum's office (703-758-9733) said it should be effective before mid-April!

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Virginia–Medical Exemption Clause enacted March 29, 2010 http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+ful+CHAP0182 VIRGINIA CODE Title 3.2 Section 3.2-6521

D. The Board of Health shall, by regulation, provide an exemption to the requirements of subsection A if an animal suffers from an underlying medical condition that is likely to result in a life-threatening condition in response to vaccination and such exemption would not risk public health and safety. For the purposes of ? 3.2-6522, such exemption shall mean that the animal is considered not currently vaccinated for rabies. For the purposes of ?? 3.2-5902, 3.2-6526, and 3.2-6527, such exemption shall be considered in place of a current certificate of vaccination.

Kris L Christine - thank you for all the information and links you post about vaccination. We very rarely have a case of rabies in the UK but I do think that the majority of dog owners over-vaccinate their pets.