HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 374

BYRepresentatives Rasmussen, Rayburn, McLean, Todd, Madsen, Holm, Grant, Vekich, Bristow, Pruitt, Moyer, Walker, Baugher, Nealey, Spanel, P. King, Jesernig and Doty

Authorizing the director of agriculture to regulate the sale, distribution and use of veterinary biologics.

House Committe on Agriculture & Rural Development

Majority Report:     Do pass.  (14)

     Signed by Representatives Rayburn, Chair; Kremen, Vice Chair; Baugher, Bristow, Brooks, Chandler, Doty, Grant, Holm, Jacobsen, McLean, Moyer, Nealey and Rasmussen.

House Staff:Kenneth Hirst (786-7105)

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 27, 1987

BACKGROUND:

State law grants the director of the Department of Agriculture the general authority to prevent the spread of diseases in domestic and other animals in the state and to promulgate rules and issue orders governing the inspection and testing of animals within the state or to be imported into the state.  The director may also establish and enforce disease quarantines and embargoes.

SUMMARY:

The director of the Department of Agriculture shall have the authority to regulate the sale, distribution, and use of veterinary biologics in the state. A veterinary biologic is a virus, serum, toxin, and analogous product such as diagnostics, antitoxins, vaccines, and antigenic or immunizing components intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases in animals.  The director may adopt rules to restrict the sale, distribution, or use of any veterinary biologic as the director deems necessary to protect the health and safety of animals and the public.

Fiscal Note:    Attached.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:     Dr. Michael Lust, Dr. Randy Valentine and Dr. Harmon Rogers, Washington State Veterinary Medical Association; Mike Schwisow, Department of Agriculture; Marlyta Deck, Washington Cattlemen's Association; Myrna Emerick, Washington Dairymen's Federation; Garry Lewis, Washington State Horsemen's Association; and Stu Trefry, Washington State Grange.

House Committee - Testified Against: None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:     (1) The bill was developed in a cooperative effort by agricultural groups, the veterinary association, state agencies, manufacturers and housepet groups; it will be administered with the help of an advisory committee made up of representatives of these groups.  (2) Biologics prevent disease in healthy animals and a few are currently regulated by the state.  However, new technology is developing products whose efficacy and use is controversial; the misuse of some could actually spread diseases.  Regulation is needed.  (3) Experienced handlers such as dog and cat breeders and livestock owners will still be able to buy and use the products, but over-the-counter sales to inexperienced people will be curtailed for some products.

House Committee - Testimony Against: None Presented.