Animal Talk Naturally Online Radio Show

25 Responses to “The Vaccine Challenge - Show #91”

1. aspenbloom // May 5, 2007 at 2:51 pm

   Other articles to read on vaccines:

   Dee Blanco, DVM. ‘Vaccines: Are They Safe For Your Dog?”
   http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/Adobe/DrBlancoVaccDog.pdf

   
   Rabies Vaccination: The Big Scam:
   http://siriusdog.com/articles/vaccination-scam-myths-laws.htm

   And this link is just fantastic for making people aware of everything
   that actually is contained in vaccines:
   http://www.tetrahedron.org/articles/vaccine_awareness/through_the_needle.html

   Dr. Jean Dodds has done some terrific work on autoimmune disease and
   vaccines. Here is one of her articles discussing adverse reactions to
   vaccines:
   http://www.britfeld.com/vaccination-adverse.htm

   It is dangerously misleading, and, indeed, the exact opposite of the truth to claim that a vaccine makes us ‘immune’ or protects us against an acute disease, if in fact it only drives the disease deeper into the interior and causes us to harbor it chronically, with the result that our responses to it become progressively weaker, and show less and less tendency to heal or resolve themselves spontaneously. — Dr. Richard Moskowitz, homeopath (Journal of the American Institute of Homeopathy, March 1983)

2. Cathy Thompson // Nov 25, 2007 at 4:09 pm

   Isn’t it true that many dogs will have to be killed in order to do this study? What dogs will they choose to kill? Yje dogs brain is what must be looked at and is it not true they will kill the dogs in the study in order to do this??

3. jonathan Hughes // Dec 28, 2007 at 11:26 pm

   Antibody Titers

   Titers don’t take into effect cell mediated immunity, which is the most important aspect of disease protection for a number of diseases. Titers they don’t asses the ability of memory cells, B and T lymphocytes, which can live up to 20 years or more, to regenerate an immune response. You can have a negative titer and if the pet is exposed, memory cells can respond within hours to regenerate enough antibodies for protective immunity.

   2000 Report of American Association
   what do you think of this .Trying to help. Jonathan hughes.

4. Kristy // Jan 30, 2008 at 3:29 pm

   I am confused. According to Newsday, they will be euthenizing the beagles used for this study at the end of the trials. Please see the artcile here:
   http://www.newsday.com/news/columnists/ny-hopets5556585jan31,0,7426377.column

   I know this is a very important topic, but I would really like to know where I can find more information on the dogs the are involved in the study and what happens to them during and after.

   –Kristy

5. aspenbloom // Jan 31, 2008 at 12:33 pm

   Hi Kristy,

   Yes test dogs are being used and probably die as a result. Unfortunately many, many pet dogs are dying because of the vaccines. So either way dogs are dying.

   I know how Dr. Dodds feels about these dogs and how she does so much to help animals. I suggest you contact The Rabies Challenge Fund at
   http://www.RabiesChallengeFund.org

   Many dog owners feel this is necessary in order to end the massive suffering of forced vaccines. Because the government agencies demand proof, some dogs in the testing are certain to die. So I hold the government responsible, not the Rabies Challenge Fund.

   Dr. Kim
   Animal Talk Naturally

6. Jennie Gillihan // Mar 26, 2008 at 12:58 pm

   Dr. Ron Schultz is presenting a seminar on The Rabies Challenge Study in Alpharetta, GA, this coming Saturday. I can hardly wait to hear him! I work with mini Schnauzer rescue in GA and this is very exciting scientific study for those of us in rescue, not only with our rescue dogs but with our own pets. Too many dogs are given vaccinations when they come into a shelter “just because” they have no vet history. In reality, most of these dogs are NOT in good health and are vaccinated regardless of this fact, further assaulting their already shaky immune systems. To get definitive scientific proof that the rabies vaccine, the most hazardous of all vaccinations given to dogs and cats, is not only NOT required annually but may not be required but once in an animal’s lifetime would be a HUGE step toward healthier animals.

7. 2008 RABIES Vaccine-JAVMA Report on Adverse Reactions in Dogs - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community // Apr 16, 2008 at 1:49 pm

   [...] Listen to Animal Wise (scroll down to The Rabies Challenge 12/9/07) The Vaccine Challenge Animal Talk Naturally Online Radio Show � The Vaccine Challenge - Show #91 US Declared Canine-Rabies Free — CDC Announces at Inaugural World Rabies Day Symposium CDC Press [...]

8. WYOMING Rabies Laws--ACTION ALERT!!! - Dog Chat - Dog Forums - I-Love-Dogs.com // Apr 16, 2008 at 1:59 pm

   [...] Listen to Animal Wise (scroll down to The Rabies Challenge 12/9/07) The Vaccine Challenge Animal Talk Naturally Online Radio Show � The Vaccine Challenge - Show #91 US Declared Canine-Rabies Free — CDC Announces at Inaugural World Rabies Day Symposium CDC Press [...]

9. 2008 RABIES Vaccine-JAVMA Report Adverse Reactions in Dogs - Doberman Talk Forums // Apr 16, 2008 at 2:12 pm

   [...] Listen to Animal Wise (scroll down to The Rabies Challenge 12/9/07) The Vaccine Challenge Animal Talk Naturally Online Radio Show � The Vaccine Challenge - Show #91 US Declared Canine-Rabies Free — CDC Announces at Inaugural World Rabies Day Symposium CDC Press [...]

10. 2008 RABIES Vaccine-JAVMA Report Adverse Reactions in Dogs - Corgi Forums // Apr 20, 2008 at 7:00 am

    [...] Listen to Animal Wise (scroll down to The Rabies Challenge 12/9/07) The Vaccine Challenge Animal Talk Naturally Online Radio Show � The Vaccine Challenge - Show #91 US Declared Canine-Rabies Free — CDC Announces at Inaugural World Rabies Day Symposium CDC Press [...]

11. Rabies Vaccine - Page 3 - Corgi Forums // Apr 20, 2008 at 7:09 am

    [...] Listen to Animal Wise (scroll down to The Rabies Challenge 12/9/07) The Vaccine Challenge Animal Talk Naturally Online Radio Show � The Vaccine Challenge - Show #91 US Declared Canine-Rabies Free — CDC Announces at Inaugural World Rabies Day Symposium CDC Press [...]

12. jen // Apr 23, 2008 at 12:51 pm

    Please advise this is what my vet is telling me. I never heard of this and want to make sure i am doing the best thing for my dog. They are trying to tell me that the 3 year shot is not the best option. They want to give her the shot every year. They said that the three year shot has higher risks. Is there any truth in that or should I find a place that does the 3 year shot. I have worked with animals for over 10 years and this is the first time that I am hearing about it. I read some of the study that you posted and I am just curious what is the opinion on this. Is the 1 year shot better than the 3 year shot. Even though I know some vets give them same shot for both.

13. WYOMING Rabies Laws--ACTION ALERT!!! - YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community // Apr 29, 2008 at 7:50 am

    [...] 4/29/08 WYOMING Rabies Law Update & ISDRA International Sled Dog Racing Association 4/29/08 Wyoming Rabies Law Update and ISDRA–International Sled Dog Racing Association Once again, dog lovers are helping to bring about great changes for dogs with active participation on rabies laws — THANK YOU to all of you who have been assisting in these efforts — it’s working! Kris Wyoming update: The e-mail below, shared with permission from the recipient, from the President of the Cheyenne City Council, Don Pierson, was received 4/29/08 by the lead activist in Wyoming, Karon Volk: "Hello Mrs. Volk Just a followup to let you know that the Mayor and I are working together and have instructed the city attorney to prepare an ordinance or a resolution to take care of the 1 year vs 3 year problem. All the research I have found says that to require our city residents to get the vaccination for their pets every year is unnecessary. I will let you know when it will be ready for introduction and would hope that you would like to attend our meetings and testify about the situation. Let me know if there is anything else I can do at this time about this situation. Thanks for all your info you provided and your concern." ISDRA-International Sled Dog Racing Association: After Steve Goldman, a concerned ISDRA member, contacted the International Sled Dog Racing Association about ISDRA sanctioned races requiring annual rabies vaccinations for sled dogs and asked for assistance, I wrote the letter to the Executive Director Below. Mr. Steele responded immediately and will be publishing announcements in 2 issues of Dog and Driver before the proposal comes before the full ISDRA Board. What You Can Do If you are concerned about racing events that require sled dogs to receive redundant annual rabies boosters, please e-mail Dave Steele at dsteele@brainerd.net PERMISSION GRANTED TO POST AND CROSS-POST THIS MESSAGE March 18, 2008 Mr. Dave Steele, Executive Director International Sled Dog Racing Association 22702 Rebel Road Merrifield, MN 56465, USA E-mail: dsteele@brainerd.net Greetings Mr. Steele: One of the objectives listed in the International Sled Dog Racing Association�s (ISDRA) Constitution and By-Laws under Article II C is to: �Promote the welfare of sled dogs in all activities and endeavors.� Further on, under Article IX Section 2 A 4, it declares one of the duties of the Animal Welfare Committee shall be to: �Inform the membership of new advances in canine nutrition and all areas related to the physical and mental well-being of sled dogs." With those objectives and the physical and mental well-being of sled dogs in mind, I am writing to request that ISDRA�s Board of Directors seriously consider alerting its membership to the potential health hazards associated with redundant annual rabies vaccinations, which some U.S. and Canadian races require for team entrants. Annual rabies vaccinations after the initial puppy series are medically unnecessary and contrary to the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control�s (CDC) National Association of State Public Health Veterinarian’s (NASPHV) Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control which declare that: "Vaccines used in state and local rabies control programs should have at least a 3-year duration of immunity,�[1] and should be administered no more often than specified by the product label or package insert. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) endorses a 3 year protocol as does the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).[2] Many, if not most or all, annual rabies vaccines are the 3 year vaccine relabeled for annual use. According to Dr. Ronald Schultz of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, whose canine vaccine studies form a large part of the scientific base for the 2003 and 2007 AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines as well as the World Small Animal Veterinary Association�s (WSAVA) Vaccine Guidelines, �There is no benefit from annual rabies vaccination and most one year rabies products are similar or identical to the 3-year products with regard to duration of immunity and effectiveness.�[3] Because the rabies vaccine is the most potent of the veterinary vaccines and associated with significant adverse reactions, it should not be given more often than is necessary to maintain immunity. Adverse reactions such as autoimmune diseases affecting the thyroid, joints, blood, eyes, skin, kidney, liver, bowel and central nervous system; anaphylactic shock; aggression; seizures; epilepsy; and fibrosarcomas at injection sites are linked to rabies vaccinations. Rabies is a �killed� vaccine, for which internationally accepted scientific data have demonstrated a minimum duration of immunity of 3 years by challenge and 7 years serologically. The rabies vaccine, and other killed vaccines such as Leptospira and Lyme, contains adjuvants such as aluminum hydroxide, aluminum phosphate, and aluminum potassium sulfate to enhance the immunological response. In 1999, the World Health Organization "classified veterinary vaccine adjuvants as Class III/IV carcinogens with Class IV being the highest risk,"[4] and the results of a study published in the August 2003 Journal of Veterinary Medicine documenting fibrosarcomas at the presumed injection sites of rabies vaccines stated, �In both dogs and cats, the development of necrotizing panniculitis at sites of rabies vaccine administration was first observed by Hendrick & Dunagan (1992).� [5] According to the 2003 AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines, "…killed vaccines are much more likely to cause hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., immune-mediated disease)."[6] With the physical challenges of the trail to meet, sled dogs should not be exposed to the health hazards associated with medically unwarranted annual rabies boosters in order to enter racing events. I strongly urge you to inform your membership of the potential risks associated with unnecessary annual rabies vaccinations and request that ISDRA only sanction races that conform to the 3 year standard recommended by the Center for Disease Control�s National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Animal Hospital Association. If you have any questions or would like copies of the material referenced above, please contact me at [redacted]. Sincerely, Kris L. Christine Founder, Co-Trustee The Rabies Challenge Fund ——————————————————————————– [1] Center for Disease Control�s National Association of State Public Health Veterinarian’s Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control http://www.nasphv.org/Documents/RabiesCompendium.pdf [2]The American Veterinary Medical Association�s 2007 RABIES VACCINATION PROCEDURES http://www.avma.org/products/scientific/biologics.pdf The 2006 American Animal Hospital Association’s Canine Vaccine Guidelines are downloadable in PDF format at About AAHA [3] What Everyone Needs to Know about Canine Vaccines, Dr. Ronald Schultz What Everyone Needs to Know About Canine Vaccines Duration of Immunity to Canine Vaccines: What We Know and Don’t Know, Dr. Ronald Schultz Duration of Immunity World Small Animal Veterinary Association 2007 Vaccine Guidelines - WSAVA - Scientific Advisory Committee Scroll down to Vaccine Guidelines 2007 (PDF) [4] IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans: Volume 74, World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Feb. 23-Mar. 2, 1999, p. 24, 305, 310 [5] Fibrosarcomas at Presumed Sites of Injection in Dogs: Characteristics and Comparison with Non-vaccination Site Fibrosarcomas and Feline Post-vaccinal Fibrosarcomas; Journal of Veterinary Medicine, Series A August 2003, vol. 50, no. 6, pp. 286-291(6) [6] The 2003 American Animal Hospital Association’s Canine Vaccine Guidelines are accessible online at Special Report __________________________________________________ ____________________________________ More information on the rabies vaccine can be found at the following links : Animal Wellness Magazine Article Vol. 8 Issue 6, How Often Does he REALLY Need A Rabies Shot Animal Wellness Magazine - devoted to natural health in animals The Rabies Challenge Animal Wise Radio Interview Listen to Animal Wise (scroll down to The Rabies Challenge 12/9/07) The Vaccine Challenge Animal Talk Naturally Online Radio Show � The Vaccine Challenge - Show #91 [...]

14. WYOMING Rabies Laws--Movement to Change - Corgi Forums // Apr 30, 2008 at 4:57 am

    [...] 4/30/08 WYOMING Update –Cheyenne to Change to 3 Years! - Today, 04:56 AM 4/29/08 Wyoming Rabies Law Update and ISDRA–International Sled Dog Racing Association Once again, dog lovers are helping to bring about great changes for dogs with active participation on rabies laws — THANK YOU to all of you who have been assisting in these efforts — it’s working! Kris Wyoming update: The e-mail below, shared with permission from the recipient, from the President of the Cheyenne City Council, Don Pierson, was received 4/29/08 by the lead activist in Wyoming, Karon Volk: "Hello Mrs. Volk Just a followup to let you know that the Mayor and I are working together and have instructed the city attorney to prepare an ordinance or a resolution to take care of the 1 year vs 3 year problem. All the research I have found says that to require our city residents to get the vaccination for their pets every year is unnecessary. I will let you know when it will be ready for introduction and would hope that you would like to attend our meetings and testify about the situation. Let me know if there is anything else I can do at this time about this situation. Thanks for all your info you provided and your concern." ISDRA-International Sled Dog Racing Association: After Steve Goldman, a concerned ISDRA member, contacted the International Sled Dog Racing Association about ISDRA sanctioned races requiring annual rabies vaccinations for sled dogs and asked for assistance, I wrote the letter to the Executive Director Below. Mr. Steele responded immediately and will be publishing announcements in 2 issues of Dog and Driver before the proposal comes before the full ISDRA Board. What You Can Do If you are concerned about racing events that require sled dogs to receive redundant annual rabies boosters, please e-mail Dave Steele at dsteele@brainerd.net PERMISSION GRANTED TO POST AND CROSS-POST THIS MESSAGE March 18, 2008 Mr. Dave Steele, Executive Director International Sled Dog Racing Association 22702 Rebel Road Merrifield, MN 56465, USA E-mail: dsteele@brainerd.net Greetings Mr. Steele: One of the objectives listed in the International Sled Dog Racing Association�s (ISDRA) Constitution and By-Laws under Article II C is to: �Promote the welfare of sled dogs in all activities and endeavors.� Further on, under Article IX Section 2 A 4, it declares one of the duties of the Animal Welfare Committee shall be to: �Inform the membership of new advances in canine nutrition and all areas related to the physical and mental well-being of sled dogs." With those objectives and the physical and mental well-being of sled dogs in mind, I am writing to request that ISDRA�s Board of Directors seriously consider alerting its membership to the potential health hazards associated with redundant annual rabies vaccinations, which some U.S. and Canadian races require for team entrants. Annual rabies vaccinations after the initial puppy series are medically unnecessary and contrary to the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control�s (CDC) National Association of State Public Health Veterinarian’s (NASPHV) Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control which declare that: "Vaccines used in state and local rabies control programs should have at least a 3-year duration of immunity,�[1] and should be administered no more often than specified by the product label or package insert. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) endorses a 3 year protocol as does the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).[2] Many, if not most or all, annual rabies vaccines are the 3 year vaccine relabeled for annual use. According to Dr. Ronald Schultz of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, whose canine vaccine studies form a large part of the scientific base for the 2003 and 2007 AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines as well as the World Small Animal Veterinary Association�s (WSAVA) Vaccine Guidelines, �There is no benefit from annual rabies vaccination and most one year rabies products are similar or identical to the 3-year products with regard to duration of immunity and effectiveness.�[3] Because the rabies vaccine is the most potent of the veterinary vaccines and associated with significant adverse reactions, it should not be given more often than is necessary to maintain immunity. Adverse reactions such as autoimmune diseases affecting the thyroid, joints, blood, eyes, skin, kidney, liver, bowel and central nervous system; anaphylactic shock; aggression; seizures; epilepsy; and fibrosarcomas at injection sites are linked to rabies vaccinations. Rabies is a �killed� vaccine, for which internationally accepted scientific data have demonstrated a minimum duration of immunity of 3 years by challenge and 7 years serologically. The rabies vaccine, and other killed vaccines such as Leptospira and Lyme, contains adjuvants such as aluminum hydroxide, aluminum phosphate, and aluminum potassium sulfate to enhance the immunological response. In 1999, the World Health Organization "classified veterinary vaccine adjuvants as Class III/IV carcinogens with Class IV being the highest risk,"[4] and the results of a study published in the August 2003 Journal of Veterinary Medicine documenting fibrosarcomas at the presumed injection sites of rabies vaccines stated, �In both dogs and cats, the development of necrotizing panniculitis at sites of rabies vaccine administration was first observed by Hendrick & Dunagan (1992).� [5] According to the 2003 AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines, "…killed vaccines are much more likely to cause hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., immune-mediated disease)."[6] With the physical challenges of the trail to meet, sled dogs should not be exposed to the health hazards associated with medically unwarranted annual rabies boosters in order to enter racing events. I strongly urge you to inform your membership of the potential risks associated with unnecessary annual rabies vaccinations and request that ISDRA only sanction races that conform to the 3 year standard recommended by the Center for Disease Control�s National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Animal Hospital Association. If you have any questions or would like copies of the material referenced above, please contact me at [redacted]. Sincerely, Kris L. Christine Founder, Co-Trustee The Rabies Challenge Fund ——————————————————————————– [1] Center for Disease Control�s National Association of State Public Health Veterinarian’s Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control http://www.nasphv.org/Documents/RabiesCompendium.pdf [2]The American Veterinary Medical Association�s 2007 RABIES VACCINATION PROCEDURES http://www.avma.org/products/scientific/biologics.pdf The 2006 American Animal Hospital Association’s Canine Vaccine Guidelines are downloadable in PDF format at About AAHA [3] What Everyone Needs to Know about Canine Vaccines, Dr. Ronald Schultz What Everyone Needs to Know About Canine Vaccines Duration of Immunity to Canine Vaccines: What We Know and Don’t Know, Dr. Ronald Schultz Duration of Immunity World Small Animal Veterinary Association 2007 Vaccine Guidelines - WSAVA - Scientific Advisory Committee Scroll down to Vaccine Guidelines 2007 (PDF) [4] IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans: Volume 74, World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Feb. 23-Mar. 2, 1999, p. 24, 305, 310 [5] Fibrosarcomas at Presumed Sites of Injection in Dogs: Characteristics and Comparison with Non-vaccination Site Fibrosarcomas and Feline Post-vaccinal Fibrosarcomas; Journal of Veterinary Medicine, Series A August 2003, vol. 50, no. 6, pp. 286-291(6) [6] The 2003 American Animal Hospital Association’s Canine Vaccine Guidelines are accessible online at Special Report __________________________________________________ ____________________________________ More information on the rabies vaccine can be found at the following links : Animal Wellness Magazine Article Vol. 8 Issue 6, How Often Does he REALLY Need A Rabies Shot Animal Wellness Magazine - devoted to natural health in animals The Rabies Challenge Animal Wise Radio Interview Listen to Animal Wise (scroll down to The Rabies Challenge 12/9/07) The Vaccine Challenge Animal Talk Naturally Online Radio Show � The Vaccine Challenge - Show #91 [...]

15. Dr. Dodd's newest vaccine protocol - Doberman Talk Forums // May 9, 2008 at 4:15 am

    [...] Listen to Animal Wise (scroll down to The Rabies Challenge 12/9/07) The Vaccine Challenge Animal Talk Naturally Online Radio Show � The Vaccine Challenge - Show #91 US Declared Canine-Rabies Free — CDC Announces at Inaugural World Rabies Day Symposium CDC Press [...]

16. Samantha Dozier // May 21, 2008 at 8:49 am

    http://blog.helpinganimals.com/2008/05/when_the_ends_dont_justify_the.php
    This is really outrageous. As many of you know, I despise the fact that rabies vaccinations are required for dogs every three years and even annually in some states. I’ve read about all the adverse reactions and the belief of many holistic vets that rabies vaccinations confer immunity for a lifetime. Nobody would like to see the laws changed to allow dogs to be vaccinated for rabies less frequently more than I would. However, I draw the line at torturing animals in order to accomplish that.
    Apparently, some people have no such scruples, such as two people whom I admired and respected up until recently, when I read the “Rabies Challenge Fund Charitable Trust Research Study” for which one of them is fundraising and the other is the principal investigator. In this study, two rather large groups of beagles (each with at least 35 members―it’s not known exactly how many) will be isolated for five years or seven years, depending on the group; at least 25 of them will be vaccinated; and then they will all be injected with rabies virus to see who dies and who doesn’t. The man doing the experiment is Ronald Schultz, D.V.M., chair of pathobiology at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine and an outspoken critic of the laws regarding rabies vaccinations, and the person raising the funds for the experiment is none other than W. Jean Dodds, D.V.M., a veteran of the holistic veterinary medical community. I find this terribly disturbing and hypocritical.

    Death by rabies is ugly indeed. The virus infects the brain, causing encephalitis, and can also attack the spinal cord. There can be everything from fever and flu-like symptoms to anxiety, confusion, erratic behavior, aggression, disorientation, seizures, partial paralysis, coma, and death from respiratory arrest. One of the horrible aspects of the disease is that the jaw and throat become paralyzed, making it impossible to drink or even swallow one’s own saliva, causing the characteristic drooling.
    Of course, none of this is mentioned in Dodds’ fundraising. I doubt that she would get a dime if it were. She is soliciting funds from dog lovers of all kinds, preying on their fears for their own dogs’ health while totally misleading them. Her Web site and her flier contain not a single word about the negative aspects and gruesome details of the actual experiment. This is deceitful at best. The idea of torturing upwards of 70 dogs in order to improve the health of the rest of the dog population is no different from deciding to torture 70 children in order to improve the health of other children. Those 70 dogs matter! Each one matters! None of them wants to die a horrible death, be killed prematurely, or spend their entire life in a kennel.

    We all want our own dogs to be healthy, but people with true compassion don’t want that to be at the expense of any other dogs. I’m sorry to have to say it, but in this experiment, the ends, as laudable as they are, do not justify the means.
    A better way to spend the $1.25 million being raised for these experiments would be to develop an acceptable serological method to test for rabies antibodies and immunity to the rabies virus.
    If you agree, why not shoot Dr. Dodds an e-mail at hemopet@hotmail.com and let her know how you feel?

17. Teri K // May 21, 2008 at 11:16 am

    Samatha,

    Many more than 70 children are tourtured for the betterment of others and many are unaware. I believe in research and that is what this is. AR groups destroy more dogs than that every day. This is a small price to pay for the well being of all dogs. Get your priorities straight. Or would it be ok if the dogs were mutts? Instead of beagles?? We need this research!!!!!!!

18. admin // May 21, 2008 at 3:48 pm

    From Animal Talk Naturally: Dr. Dodds gave us her comments to share here. Also that she has been in contact with both Samantha above and her boss, who are on the staff of PETA.

    And for the record just this week, the latest JAVMA has the annual summary of rabies surveillance and licensing policies by our US State & Territorial Public Health Veterinarians reiterating that rabies titers are not acceptable in lieu of boosters.

    Here are Dr. Dodds’ comments:

    Please let me explain the purpose and conduct of our study:

    The Rabies Challenge Fund is designed to prove to UDSA authorities that dogs only need two booster rabies vaccines in their lifetime. This would significantly reduce the tragedies outlined below, save countless animal pain and suffering, and still protect the public health.

    The public has little understanding of how all vaccines must be tested through USDA -specified trials before they are licensed for veterinary use. Every currently licensed rabies vaccine has been required to succesfully complete these specified trials; and these vaccines as you know are required by law.

    While I fully appreciate your concern about the way in which we must conduct the RCF Research Study, the regulatory requirements we must follow are specified by the Code of Federal Regulations, APHIS/ USDA , Title 9, Killed Virus Vaccines§ 113.209 Rabies Vaccine, Killed Virus.

    Only purebred beagles raised in a dog breeding facility run by veterinarians are involved in our project. This a large USDA licensed facility maintained in strict compliance with animal care and use requirements. The dogs live in large pens and are housed together in small groups for
    socialization and exercise. Further socialization is provided by their caretakers. They will live in this breeding facility as normal healthy dogs until the end of the 5 and 7 year studies, after which time they must be challenge tested with rabies virus to show that the vaccine we have given them will be fully protective.

    However, in the intervening 4 + years, Dr. Schultz and I are fully committed to initiating an active dialog with the regulatory authorities to see if they would entertain modifying the specified challenge protocol at the end of the study. For example, we plan to ask them to consider allowing us to run rabies vaccine serology titers as proof of adequate protection from rabies, rather than an actual live rabies virus challenge.

    Furthermore, if our studies are successful in lengthening the legal rabies booster requirement to 5 and 7 years, then a dog will only need one more booster in midlife and none in old age - a bigger issue if they’re frail or ill. Also, remember that some states and locales within states still mandate annual rabies boosters!

    Background of the Need for the RCF Study Today, we have a formidable uphill battle compounded by inertia in trying to change outdated rabies regulations to reflect what is truly needed to protect animals and people from contracting rabies. The federal government is just not interested in promoting a uniform requirement throughout the country that rabies booster vaccinations be given every three years. A few individual states and locales still insist on mandating annual rabies boosters when these vaccines are licensed for three years by the USDA. The recent media furor over the annual rabies booster mandate by the cities of Wichita, KS and Cheyenne, WY are but two examples.

    While this travesty continues under the rubric of state’s rights, countless companion animals suffer from being required to receive rabies boosters even when they’re terminally ill, debilitated, very old or have a record of prior serious adverse reaction to vaccination. This usually occurs when veterinarians either don’t believe that adverse events occur or are likely, or they use the excuse that they’re merely following the law. This situation is further complicated when local or state authorities will not accept waivers of booster requirement even with a veterinary letter of justification and/or a rabies antibody titer beyond the 1:5 titer level deemed by CDC to be adequate for people. Just today, a distraught caregiver was faced with having to revaccinate a middle aged dog with prior history of collapse after rabies vaccine. The dog’s rabies antibody titer was 1: 3125, six hundred times that required for people, and yet the local authorities refused to grant a waiver.

    These all too common occurrences have resulted in an increasing number of people simply breaking the law and not vaccinating their dogs at all. However, IF these dogs injure someone, even accidentally, and they’re quarantined without evidence of an in-date rabies vaccination, the public
    health authorities have the right to require surety and direct that the animal be killed; his/her head is then examined for rabies. One such tragedy where a family was not given the chance to appeal on behalf of their dog is in litigation as we speak.

    Then, there are the heartbreaking adverse reactions and deaths that occur when animals are forced to be given rabies boosters in lieu of waivers, when justified, and the dog seizures uncontrollably and dies in the caregiver’s arms. Such a case also happened last week.

    Dr. Jean Dodds
    http://www.rabieschallengefund.org

19. Kris L. Christine, Founder & Co-Trustee THE RABIES CHALLENGE FUND // May 21, 2008 at 6:27 pm

    Ms. Dozier and other PETA members have been targeting The Rabies Challenge Fund for about a week. Attacking The Rabies Challenge Fund, which seeks to save thousands of dogs’ lives by funding research with the goal of extending state-mandated rabies vaccine boosters to 5 and then 7 years will not change USDA vaccine licensing standards (which all 13 licensed rabies vaccines for dogs have gone through — Fort Dodge, Merial, Schering-Plough, Intervet).

    If PETA were truly concerned about dogs’ lives, they would channel their concerns constructively and launch a massive petition to the USDA to get them to change their vaccine-licensing standards. Every member of The Rabies Challenge Fund team would applaud such a movement.

    Dog owners who would like to see PETA petition the USDA to change their Code of Federal Requirements , Title 9, part 113.209 , please contact PETA member Bob Chorush at bob2001@verizon.net and let him know how you feel.

20. Kris L. Christine, Founder & Co-Trustee THE RABIES CHALLENGE FUND // May 23, 2008 at 6:30 am

    PETA and EUTHANASIA — 4/28/08 NEWSWEEK ARTICLE

    PETA member, Samantha Dozier, failed to disclose the following in her post.

    April 28, 2008 Newsweek article entitled PETA and Euthanasia by Jeneen Interlandi http://www.newsweek.com/id/134549

    “Since 1998 PETA has killed more than 17,000 animals, nearly 85 percent of all those it has rescued.”

21. Kris L. Christine, Founder & Co-Trustee THE RABIES CHALLENGE FUND // May 23, 2008 at 8:16 am

    From Channel 3 News in Kentucky May 7, 2008: http://www.ky3.com/news/trends/?feed=bim&id=18743839

    OVER 90 PERCENT PUT TO DEATH

    WASHINGTON — An official report filed by People for The Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) with the Virginia government shows that the organization put to death more than 90 percent of the dogs, cats, and other pets it took in for adoption during 2007.

22. Proheart 6 -- USA Today Editorial - YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community // Jun 18, 2008 at 7:21 am

    [...] Listen to Animal Wise (scroll down to The Rabies Challenge 12/9/07) The Vaccine Challenge Animal Talk Naturally Online Radio Show � The Vaccine Challenge - Show #91 US Declared Canine-Rabies Free — CDC Announces at Inaugural World Rabies Day Symposium CDC Press [...]

23. Pamela Picard // Jul 15, 2008 at 4:02 pm

    As an advocate and activist for rabies medication exemption for sick and senior dogs and cats, I strongly object to the subversive tactics PETA is employing to discredit the Rabies Challenge Fund.

    Based on documentation, your assertions that your questions are being ignored are false. And your premise - and protest - that many dogs will suffer horribly for this research is specious and hypocritical.

    Pot meet kettle, to-wit:

    Pet owners interested in learning more about PETA might want to read the following articles: April 28, 2008 Newsweek article entitled PETA and Euthanasia by Jeneen Interlandi http://www.newsweek .com/id/134549 “Since 1998 PETA has killed more than 17,000 animals, nearly 85 percent of all those it has rescued. ”

    Channel 3 News in Kentucky May 7, 2008: http://www.ky3. com/news/ trends/?feed= bim&id=18743839 OVER 90 PERCENT PUT TO DEATH “WASHINGTON — An official report filed by People for The Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) with the Virginia government shows that the organization put to death more than 90 percent of the dogs, cats, and other pets it took in for adoption during 2007. ”

    All of us who love animals feel anguish that this study must use dogs to get the consideration of the FDA and USDA to reform rabies vaccination laws. Yet we are equally anguished - and outraged - at the costs of rabies vaccination mandates to our dogs and cats.

    Thousand die outright every year from adverse reactions. Tens of thousands live with chronic dysfunction that robs them of robust good health, quality of life and longevity.

    If it could be any other way, we most certainly would endorse it.

    If PETA is truly concerned about dogs’ lives, you will channel your concerns constructively and launch a massive petition to the USDA to get them to change their vaccine-licensing standards. Every member ofThe Rabies Challenge Fund team and its supporters would endorse such a movement.

    Sincerely,
    Pamela Picard
    Exempt Sick & Senior Pets from Rabies Shots
    http://www.petitiononline.com/tdsh2007/petition.html
    http://www.pet-wellness-update.com
    +_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+

24. Lori // Jul 31, 2008 at 10:27 am

    If you support PETA, given their way, we will have NO pets in 20 years (quoting Ingrid Newkirk) “I don’t use the word “pet.” I think it’s speciesist language. I prefer “companion animal.” For one thing, we would no longer allow breeding. People could not create different breeds. There would be no pet shops. If people had companion animals in their homes, those animals would have to be refugees from the animal shelters and the streets. You would have a protective relationship with them just as you would with an orphaned child. But as the surplus of cats and dogs (artificially engineered by centuries of forced breeding) declined, EVENTUALLY COMPANION ANIMALS WOULD BE PHASED OUT ANE WE WOULD RETURN TO A MORE SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP – ENJOYMENT AT A DISTANCE. “

25. To Vaccinate ? » Notes from the Grove // Dec 2, 2008 at 1:13 am

    [...] The Vaccine Challenge [...]