Bill Text: HI HR195 | 2018 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Requesting The Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association To Conduct A Survey Of Its Membership On The Frequency Of Cases Of Rat Lungworm Disease In Animal Companions.

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 13-3)

Status: (Passed) 2018-04-05 - Resolution adopted in final form. [HR195 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2018-HR195-Introduced.html

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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	195
TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2018
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

 

REQUESTING THE HAWAII VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION TO CONDUCT A SURVEY OF ITS MEMBERSHIP ON THE FREQUENCY OF CASES OF RAT LUNGWORM DISEASE IN ANIMAL COMPANIONS.

 

 

 

     WHEREAS, zoonotic diseases, also known as zoonoses, are animal diseases that are caused by infections from viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi, and can spread between animals and humans; and

 

     WHEREAS, zoonotic diseases can cause illnesses of varying severity, and even death, to humans; and

 

     WHEREAS, reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that zoonotic diseases are very common, and will infect tens of thousands of Americans every year; and

 

     WHEREAS, zoonotic diseases can be transmitted directly or indirectly to humans through the consumption of contaminated foodstuffs or contact with infected animals; and

 

     WHEREAS, examples of zoonotic diseases include Leptospirosis; E. coli infection; methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus infection (MRSA); ringworm; toxoplasmosis; salmonella infection; tuberculosis; HlNl and H3N2 influenza viruses, also known as bird flu and swine flu; brucellosis caused by Brucella suis; and angiostrongyliasis cantonensis, more commonly known as rat lungworm disease; and

 

     WHEREAS, past experiments, observations, and reports have shown that rat lungworm disease can be and has been contracted by cats, dogs, and other animals in places such as Australia and Hawaii; and

 

     WHEREAS, information on the prevalence of rat lungworm disease in the State could help stem its spread, alert people to the potential threats of contracting rat lungworm disease, and provide useful data on the disease; and

 

     WHEREAS, veterinarians have studied and have a good understanding of zoonotic diseases, including rat lungworm disease; and

 

     WHEREAS, veterinarians in the State have the opportunity to observe and treat animals who suffer from zoonotic diseases, including rat lungworm disease; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-ninth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2018, that the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association is requested to conduct a survey of its membership to inquire about:

 

     (1)  The number of cases of rat lungworm disease that have been suspected in animal companions; and

 

     (2)  The number of cases of rat lungworm disease that have been confirmed in animal companions,

 

during a period of time to be determined by the Association; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that after the completion of the survey, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association is requested to submit, with all deliberate speed, a report of the survey results to the Legislature; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the President of the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association; Rat Lungworm Disease