[gemy]

Here are just a few of my problems with the CDC's new ruling.

1. THe experts on immunology recommend at the earliest 20wks - later if you can get away with it. Ref Dr Jean Dodds vaccination protocols.

2. So the quandary here is do I vaccinate against rabies at 20wks = 5mths old - or because CDC allows me to import at 4mths old and I am already 2 whole months delayed in placing a dog that was purchased from me, by a resident of the USA - do I throw up my hands and say wtf do the Rabies? Just recall we had no warning about this - and as at present I have not seen what is the effective implementation date - I may have already entered into contractual obligations with a USA resident.

3. WHy not do what England does and require a Rabies Titer Test for dogs entering into England.

4. If there is a rampant Rabies epidemic - why do I not know about that? Shouldn't the public be advised of this?

5. Nobody including you, knows how many people it would affect, as nobody knows including Aphis, AWA, Animal Rights groups, Shelters et al, a) how many actual breeders of dogs there are in every foreign country and b) how many have actually entered into contractual obligations with USA citizens?.

6. And this is a trade barrier - the extent of this neither you nor I know - as we don't actually know the true demand for foreign borne dogs. Or a future estimated demand.

7. Rare Breeds of particularly large working/herding/hunting do need to source breeding dogs from many countries in order to keep the breeding pool healthy. This does place some serious short comings for breeders of these breeds. My breed ideally and seriously ideally should be placed in a loving home by 8 -10 wks old. This is for owner bonding and immediate training of a puppy that will at that age weigh anywhere from 20-35 lbs. By 4 months you are looking at 28-45 lbs. I think you see where I am going with this. Our breed is susceptible to immunodeficiency problems which is not enhanced by over /early vaccinations.

Just some of my thoughts on this subject.