S.C.R. NO. 106 Summary

• Request that the Department of Health hire a State Veterinary Medical Officer to prevent the spread of rat lungworm disease and other zoonotic diseases in Hawaii's human population.

• Zoonotic diseases (transmitted from animals to humans) including leptospirosis, E. coli, salmonella, tuberculosis, influenza, and rat lungworm disease affect tens of thousands of Americans annually and can cause severe illness or death.

• The Department of Health previously employed a Public Health Veterinarian position, with Dr. David Sasaki (an expert on leptospirosis) producing educational publications for Hawaii physicians and veterinarians that improved disease reporting and treatment knowledge.

• A State Veterinary Medical Officer could revive and distribute public health publications electronically and provide continuing medical education to healthcare professionals on zoonotic diseases.

• Direct copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the Director of Health.