Indian Health Service could fund animal vaccination and disease tracking

What does this do?

The bill lets the Indian Health Service spend money on animal health services such as vaccinating animals, spaying and neutering pets, and tracking and testing for disease. The agency could spend directly or through Tribes and Tribal organizations, and could send commissioned public health veterinarians to affected areas. It also orders a one-year Department of Agriculture study of oral rabies vaccines for Arctic areas.

Who does it affect?

Members of Tribal communities, especially in rural and remote areas with few veterinarians, are most directly affected. Tribal health programs could gain access to funding and staff for animal health work.

Why does it matter?

Rabies and similar diseases are a greater concern in places with few veterinarians, and wildlife in Arctic regions can pass rabies to Tribal members. Every two years the agency would report to Congress on how the money was used and what disease data was collected.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• No dollar amount set
• Spending set by future budgets