(MGL c. 140, § 145B; Acts of 1969, Chapter 207)
The Avon Board of Health shall hold a rabies clinic once every
year for the purpose of vaccinating dogs against rabies. The following
procedures shall apply:
A.
Dogs shall be vaccinated with either a killed or modified live virus
vaccine. Vaccine of Caprine (goat) origin shall not be acceptable.
The dosage shall be for a period of three years.
B.
A rabies tag of a size, shape, and color approved by the Department
of Public Health shall be provided by the vaccinating veterinarian
for each dog vaccinated. Each tag shall be inscribed with the words
"Rabies Vaccinated" as well as the year, name and address of the veterinarian
or Board of Health, and the tag must be attached to the collar or
harness of the dog and worn at all times in the same manner as the
license tag.
C.
A certificate of vaccination approved by the Department of Public
Health must be completed in triplicate by the vaccinating veterinarian.
The original shall be filed with the Town Clerk in the Town where
the dog is licensed; one copy is provided to the owner, one copy is
retained by the Board of Health.
D.
Vaccinated dogs must be revaccinated at intervals not exceeding 36
months.
F.
An area shall be secured by the Avon Board of Health to provide room
and control of the clinic. The area shall have two egresses and sanitary
facilities. The floor should be high glossy finish tile for ease of
clean-up.
G.
A table shall be available for the Board of Health staff to fill
out forms and collect fees.
H.
The day before the clinic, the rabies book (three copies) forms shall
be filled out with the date and signature (stamp) of the veterinarian
and rabies tag number. Each book has 25 three-copy forms for rabies
shots. Number the books and take the appropriate rabies tag and put
them into groups. Rabies tags and rabies books must correspond.
I.
Two of the Board's staff shall be at the table to fill out the books
while the third person collects the fee. Give each owner the white
and yellow copies from the book. The owner then gives the cashier
the yellow copy and the fee. At the end of the clinic period, the
remaining blue copies shall be counted against the yellow slips for
a final tally. As the end of the clinic period approaches and the
activity reduces, the operation shall revert to use of a single book
at a time.
J.
Prior to the clinic, advertise in the paper and make signs for posting
around the Town.
K.
The Animal Control Officer shall be responsible for maintaining control
of traffic through the clinic. If the doors are front to back, a straight
line shall be formed. Where there are two doors on the same side of
the building, a semi-circle shall be formed. In all cases, the Animal
Control Officer shall space the owners/dogs to ensure minimum interaction.
L.
One large table for the veterinarian to place the dogs on shall be
provided. A smaller table shall be placed adjacent for holding supplies.
A trash container shall be provided and trash shall be disposed of
immediately after the clinic in a manner prescribed by law (disposal
of hypodermic needles, etc.).
A.
Upon notification, the Animal Control Officer shall respond to the
animal bite site promptly to assist the parent or observer in gathering
relevant information.
B.
Do not permit anyone to kill the animal. If it is killed at once,
it may be impossible to determine if it was rabid.
C.
The Animal Inspector shall place the animal under quarantine for
a period of two weeks. It shall be the responsibility of the owner
to restrain the animal for this period under penalty of law. Where
an animal is wild, the type and species should be ascertained. Where
the animal was domestic, but stray, its color, size and breed should
be recorded.
D.
If the quarantined animal becomes sick, have it examined by a veterinarian.
E.
If the quarantined animal dies, send the head to Wasserman Laboratory,
281 South Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130. It should be sent by special
courier and timing should be coordinated with the laboratory by phoning
617-522-3700.
F.
Record the bite information with the laboratory by phoning 617-522-3700.
A.
Dead bats will be given to the Animal Inspector for processing.
B.
The Town of Avon shall only become involved in solving bat problems
after a positive finding is apparent.
C.
The homeowner shall be responsible for all expenses accrued for services
rendered, unless a positive finding has been made.
