Code of Maine Rules
01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY
001 - AGRICULTURE - GENERAL
Chapter 216 - RULES GOVERNING THE SALE OF DOGS AND CATS AND IMPORTATION OF DOGS AND CATS FOR RESALE OR ADOPTION
Section 001-216-2 - DEFINITIONS

Universal Citation: 01 ME Code Rules ยง 001-216-2

Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024

The following terms have the following meanings:

A. Accredited Veterinarian

A licensed veterinarian who has been accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant Health inspection Service - Veterinary Services to represent the State and Federal Government in assuming responsibilities for disease and parasite eradication as defined by the Code of Federal Regulation 9, chapter 1 (1-1-86 edition), Part 161.

B. Adoption

For the purposes of this Chapter, adoption shall consist of any and all activities undertaken by private parties and/or individuals, and organized or unorganized rescue groups and humane societies with the intent or effect of transferring possession and/or ownership to others of imported animals as described in this rule.

C. Canine Diseases

1. Canine Distemper: A highly contagious viral disease of dogs. The virus is spread by direct contact or aerosol droplets from secretions of infected animals. Infected animals may show gastrointestinal and respiratory distress with pneumonia and neurologic complications. The infected animals may shed virus for several months.

2. Canine ehrlichiosis: A disease of dogs, transmitted by ticks, caused by the obligate intracellular organism, Ehrlichia canis.

3. Heartworm: A parasitic disease of dogs, transmitted by mosquitoes, caused by the filarial organism, Dirofilaria immitis.

4. Hepatitis: A viral infection of dogs that cause symptoms that vary from a slight fever and congestion of the mucus membranes to severe depression, prolonged bleeding time and lose of weight. The virus is shed in urine, feces and saliva of infected animals.

5. Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection of dogs characterized by a sudden onset, weakness, lack of appetite, vomiting and high temperature.

6. Lyme disease: A tickborne, bacterial disease of domestic animals and humans caused by the bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi.

7. Infectious Tracheobronchitis (canine adenovirus 2 and parainfluenza virus): A viral disease commonly known as Kennel cough, usually mild and self-limiting involving the trachea and bronchi of dogs.

8. Canine Parvo Virus: A viral disease causing a severe hemorrhagic enteritis in dogs of all ages. It has a sudden onset with varying degrees of mortality.

D. Feline Diseases

1. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis: A viral infection of cats, causing fever, frequent sneezing, conjunctivitis, rhinitis and salivation. Mortality may be high in young kittens and aged cats. The illness is often prolonged and may cause a marked weight loss due to lack of appetite and severe depression.

2. Feline Calici Virus: A disease of the oral cavity, respiratory tract and lungs, causing fever, lack of appetite and severe depression.

3. Panleukopenia. A highly contagious disease of cats, commonly called Feline Distemper. All secretions and excretions of affected animals contain the virus and the infection may be spread by direct contact or by contaminated objects.

E. Import

To move dogs or cats either internationally or interstate into the State of Maine.

F. Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection

A legible certificate or form signed by an accredited veterinarian and approved by the Chief Livestock official of the State or Country of origin that shows the age, sex, breed, description and health record of each dog or cat and the name of the consignor and consignee.

The certificate or form shall list the vaccines administered to each dog or cat and shall state that the animal(s) is/are not showing signs of infectious, contagious and or communicable diseases.

G. Permit for State Entry

A document issued by the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources to the owner or owners of dogs and cats purchased (or dogs and cats whose ownership or care-taking responsibilities have been transferred to another person) for resale or adoption in the State of Maine that must be obtained previous to the time of entry into the State for resale.

H. Pet shop

A place or vehicle in or on which any dogs, cats, rodents, reptiles, fish, pet birds, exotic birds or exotic animals not born and raised on those premises are kept for the purpose of sale to the public.

I. The Commissioner

The Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources.

J. The Department

The Maine Department of Agriculture, food and Rural Resources.

K. Valid Certificate of Immunization

A certificate of immunization for rabies specified by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians and authenticated by a licensed veterinarian.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maine may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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