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149 BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING OCTOBER 6, 1967 The regular meeting of the Board of Health was held Friday, October 6, 1967 at 7:00 P.M. in the Selectmen's Room of the Town Office Building. Members present were R.L. McQuillan, Chairman, Dr. William Cosgrove, Dr. Charles Colburn and Director of Public Health, Robert C. Heustis. The minutes of the September 8, 1967 meeting were approved as read. Dr. Howard Smith, Town Veterinarian, came before the Board DR. HOWARD to discuss the possibility of conducting a mid winter Rabies SMITH Clinic. Dr. Smith explained that after talking to Dr. Gerard at the State Diagnostic Laboratory, he was concerned about the rabies potential in this area. He explained that a rabid bat had been found in Bedford this year and there were a great many bats in the area. Dr. Smith felt a clinic in December would pick-up any dogs that missed the annual May clinic. The Board asked if the rabies innoculation was mandatory when a dog was licensed. The clerk explained that the rabies innoculation was not mandatory for a dog license but a dog in order to receive the innoculation must be licensed. Mr. Heustis asked Dr. Smith if there had ever been any discussion on making it mandatory that all dogs be innoculated against Rabies. Dr. Smith said a bill had been presented to the State Leg- islature by the Veterinary Society but to date they are not too anxious to act upon it. His reason for discussing this additional clinic with the Board was because of the increase in rabies reported on the eastern sea board and as Animal Inspector he felt it his responsibility to advise the Town of the potential dangers. The clerk explained that an additional clinic, even a one day clinic, would cost approximately $300.00 dollars and at the present time the Rabies Clinic had only 67.00 dollars left in the Budget. Additional money would have to be requested. She also pointed out that the annual May Clinic has had a steady increase in the past few years due to the education of the people. A great deal of publicity would have to be done for a December Clinic and with the cold weather people would be inclined to still wait for the May Clinic. The Board asked if Rabies had been found in dogs in Massachusetts. Dr. Smith said"No, not yet" but there had been cases in up -state New York. The incidence in bats found in Massachusetts has been high about 30-40 per cent according to Dr. Gerard, State Health Department.