Equine Program 



Rabies Control 



Although relatively few licensing Programs are finan- 

 cially self-sufficient, the Programs which issue Ucenses to 

 Riding Schools, Horseback Riding Instructors and 

 Equine Dealer-Transporters is generating a total of 

 $28,856 in fy 1988. Full particulars appear on page 26 of 

 this report. Designed to protect both horses and people, 

 two of the programs remain the only ones of their kind in 

 the country. Licensing has ensured that Instructors have 

 sound basic knowledge, understand the principles of 

 teaching and practice the principles of safety. Horseback 

 riding is no more subject to personal injury than many 

 other such sports, but careful instruction, as well as well- 

 cared for and sound horses, reduce the risk considerably. 

 There are number of licensed stables which offer 

 programs of riding for the handicapped as well as lessons 

 for the older rider. The licensing programs have also 

 provided opportunities to inform horse owners of dis- 

 ease problems, legislative action or zoning changes. In fy 

 1988, one such informational meeting was held. 



Since a number of very large breed horse shows are 

 regularly held in Massachusetts each year, with entries 

 from 20 or more states and Canada, it is important that 

 incoming animals meet all of our entry requirements 

 insofar as hccilth is concerned. Equine Infectious Anemia 

 (EIA) has been on the increase in New England for at 

 least two years. Clinically-ill horses, rather than the 

 asymptomatic carrier animal, have marked these out- 

 breaks. Although none has occurred in Massachusetts, 

 the number of Coggins-Test positives has risen. Since 

 EIA virus has certain similarities to HIV (Humane im- 

 mune-deficiency virus), there is research currently under 

 way in Massachusetts using the EIA-positive horse as an 

 "animal disease model" for AIDS. 



Guard Dog Licensing 



This program, in effect for five years, is designed to 

 assure giaard and sentry dogs of sound training, humane 

 care and safe working conditions. Facilities are regularly 

 inspected by Agents of the MSPCA and ARL as well as 

 by both Divisional staff Veterinarian and Animal Health 

 Inspector. 



Hearing Ear Dog 



Although these kennels are required to be licensed, 

 this program has never been funded, nor have Rules and 

 Regulations been promulgated; licenses issued, or per- 

 sonnel hired who have the specialized expertise the care 

 of these highly trained animals requires. Since less than 

 four such training kennels exist, and since each has been 

 regularly visited by various humane agents, this program 

 continues to have a low priority in the Division. Each year 

 an expansion budget-budget request has been made how- 

 ever. 



Public law in Massachusetts requires that cmy animal 

 inflicting a bite or skin-breaking scratch be quarantined 

 for a minimum of ten days as a rabies prevention proce- 

 dure. Town Animal Inspectors and Animal Control Of- 

 ficers issue quarantine and release, following no- 

 tification by a hospital physician. Since rabies, in the 

 human is almost invariably fatal, these procedures are 

 important. The presence of a vaccinated canine popula- 

 tion, between the wild animals who can have rabies, and 

 the public is the latter's first line of defense against this 

 frightening disease. The Division hold Town Animal In- 

 spector meetings, provides numerous informational 

 papers and regularly answers inquiries about rabies. 

 Testing of certain suspect animals is available from the 

 Massachusetts Department of Public Health (727-2686) 

 as is information regarding the new diploid cell vaccines 

 (HDC) for people who have been exposed to rabies or 

 whose work or travel makes such protection wise. 



Poultry Programs 



Although surveillance procedures were maintained 

 throughout fy 1988, no Avian Influenza was found, either 

 in Massachusetts flocks or in those of nearby states. Tests 

 have been provided to flock owners at no cost. In fy 1988 

 a new threat to the poultry industry made its appearance. 

 It has been alleged that Salmonella enteriditis, which 

 causes morbidity and occasional mortality in humans, is 

 closely associated with eggs. A number of industry 

 metings were held in fy 1988 and various testing and 

 certification plans were considered. It appears that cer- 

 tain egg-connections may be made, but that very little is 

 known regarding transmission of disease within flocks. 

 Until research can be completed, and considerations 

 given to indemnity for the flock owner, regulations to 

 eradicate or control this disease cannot be completed. 

 The emergence of salmonella enteriditis as a threat to 

 public health has resulted in greatly improved coopera- 

 tion between USDA and the states, and between the 

 departments of pubUc and animal health within the state. 



Shows, Fairs, Activities 



Every animal or bird exhibited at a Fair or exhibition 

 was inspected by one or more of our staff professionals - 

 Veterinarian, Animal Inspector or Poultry Inspector. 

 Massachusetts' requirements for the health of every 

 species shown appears in every prize list. We are grateful 

 for the excellent cooperation we received from Fair 

 Managers and Secretaries, as well as from Exhibitors. A 

 fair is a "show window" for agriculture and we are proud 

 of everyone's efforts to place only the best "in that win- 

 dow." Fairs remain the farmer-producer's only contact 

 with a consuming public that is often five or more genera- 

 tions away from any farm contact or knowledge. 



14 



