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AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER LIFTS QUARANTINE AT GREYHOUND KENNELS
West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass lifted quarantines at two greyhound facilities Friday after all the dogs at both facilities received rabies vaccinations.
On March 8, Commissioner Douglass placed quarantines on kennels operated by Paul Carbonneau at Tri-State Racetrack and Gaming Center and at his farm in Putnam County following public allegations that the dogs’ health certificates were not in order and that their health was being neglected.
WVDA State Veterinarian Joe Starcher made numerous visits to both locations to check on the health of the animals.
“The 161 greyhounds that I have observed over the last few days were in good health, showed no injuries and are now unquestionably vaccinated against rabies and a variety of other diseases,” said Dr. Starcher. “Rabies is the only disease prevention vaccination required by state law, and these animals are now in compliance.”
Dr. Starcher added that uncertainty about the dogs’ health paperwork prompted the wholesale vaccinations, which were paid for by Carbonneau, and that unvaccinated greyhounds are generally unlikely because owners want to field healthy athletes, as well as prevent the spread of disease into general pet populations. The West Virginia Racing Commissioner requires a variety of vaccinations above and beyond general state requirements before dogs are allowed to race.
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org.
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