SENATE 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

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 27, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Hansen, Chairman; Bauer, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Bailey, Barr, Gaspard.

Senate Staff:Tom McDonald (786-7404)

                  March 27, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, MARCH 27, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Director of the Department of Agriculture currently has general supervisory authority over the prevention of the spread of diseases in animals within and in transit through the state.  The Director may also establish and enforce disease quarantines and embargoes.

Veterinary biologics are increasingly being used to control animal diseases.  Veterinary biologics are biological products used in medicine which involve the use of living organisms (as disease germs) or their toxic products for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of diseases in animals.  As veterinary biologics continue to be developed, there is a real concern and controversy over their classification and use. 

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 defined as 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:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Representative Rasmussen; Representative Rayburn, Don Williams, Board of Pharmacy; Mike Schwisow, Department of Agriculture