COMMENTARY
Proposed quarantine rules offer safe alternative
By Sandra Lee Kunimoto
Chairwoman of the state Board of Agriculture
Since 1912, pets have been quarantined upon arrival in Hawai'i. For many years, the minimum quarantine period was 120 days.
• March 24, 10 a.m.; Department of Agriculture conference room; 635 Mua St., Kahului, Maui • March 25, 10 a.m.; Department of Agriculture conference room; 4398A Pua Loke St., Lihu'e, Kaua'i • March 25, 1:30 p.m.; Department of Agriculture, plant quarantine conference room; 1849 Auiki St., Honolulu • March 27, 1:30 p.m.; Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai'i Authority conference room; 73-4460 Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway; Kailua, Kona, Hawai'i • March 28, 1:30 p.m.; State Office Building, conference rooms A, B and C; 75 Aupuni St., Hilo, Hawai'i
In 1997, a 30-day quarantine option was established for pets, which requires two rabies vaccinations within a specified period, implantation of a microchip for identification, a blood serum test for sufficient rabies antibodies and a 90-day waiting period from the time of blood testing until the pet's entry into the state.
Schedule of public hearings
Now, through the administrative rule process, the state Board of Agriculture has recommended that a five-day quarantine option be established to ease the burden of quarantine on pets and their owners.
The proposal includes similar pre-arrival conditions as in the 30-day quarantine, but requires a 120-day pre-arrival waiting period.
Also, a provision that would allow immediate release of a pet upon arrival if all the pre-arrival requirements were met has been included.
If this variation of the proposed rule change is approved, for the first time since before statehood, people will be able to travel with their pets to Hawai'i without the hassle and heartache of quarantine.
There is strong evidence that vaccinations are reliable and these changes may occur without significantly increasing risk.
The length of the proposed 120-day pre-arrival waiting period has been the subject of debate. The reason for the pre-arrival waiting period is due to the long and variable incubation period during which the rabies virus can remain in an animal before clinical signs of the disease become apparent. Some people feel that the long waiting period is prudent, while others feel it is not necessary.
The board's proposal would be very similar to programs in New Zealand, Australia and Britain, rabies-free nations that have just as much at stake as Hawai'i does. However, animals entering New Zealand and Britain from the United States must complete a longer pre-arrival waiting period of 180 days.
Australia requires 180 days, which may include a combination of pre-arrival wait period plus post-arrival quarantine.
Some critics of Hawai'i's quarantine system want the board to go even further. They want the pre-arrival waiting period to be shortened or eliminated completely. Such an approach would be unprecedented.
The public is encouraged to testify at any of the public hearings (see box), or submit written testimony to the Board of Agriculture at 1428 S. King St, Honolulu, HI, 96814-2512, or e-mail hdoa.info@hawaii.gov.
All written testimony should be clearly labeled TESTIMONY, and must be received by April 2.
The board's five-day proposal and suggested modifications are available on the department's Web site, www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa.
Given the possible risks to human and animal health from rabies introduction into the state and the concerns of pet owners, it is important that the board receives input from all sectors of the community. We encourage individuals, as well as organizations, to submit testimony on this important matter. Hawai'i is the only state that is free of rabies, and it is important that we remain rabies free.
We have a strong commitment to providing the best possible service to both pets in quarantine and their owners. While not a part of the public hearing process, we want to acknowledge that questions have been raised about the operations and animal care provided at the Animal Quarantine Station. The department is reviewing all complaints and concerns and is actively addressing those issues.
