Tennessee House Bill HB2801

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 2/5/24
• Refer: 3/5/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 43; Title 44 and Title 53, relative to the vaccination of animals.

Impact

If enacted, HB2801 would alter existing statutes concerning animal vaccination, specifically in relation to livestock and poultry management on farms. The bill stipulates that if producers do not vaccinate their livestock or poultry co-located with those under a vaccination requirement, they may not be subject to the vaccination mandate. This could potentially lessen the regulatory burden on producers and provide them with greater flexibility in managing their vaccination protocols.

Summary

House Bill 2801 seeks to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting regulations related to the vaccination of animals, including livestock and poultry. The bill introduces provisions that allow exemptions under certain conditions where the livestock or poultry is not vaccinated at the same location as the ones subject to a vaccination order from the commissioner or state veterinarian. This proposed change could have significant implications for animal health policies in the state.

Contention

The bill may face contention from various stakeholders, including veterinary professionals and public health advocates, who argue that easing vaccination requirements could pose risks to animal health and public safety. Critics might express concerns that such exemptions could lead to outbreaks of diseases, particularly in livestock and poultry, which could then affect agricultural industries and food supply chains.