Q: I can purchase a distemper vaccine over the counter for my dog but statute 22-280 says it is illegal?
You can buy these vaccines right at Tractor Supply. How can they be sold over the counter if there is a statute that says they can not be in possession of anyone but a vet?
A: The statute is CGS 22-280(a). It reads as follows, “ Sec. 22-280a. Transporting and possession of vaccines and serums for dogs and cats. No antiserum, vaccine or other biological product for use in the control, prevention or treatment of canine distemper, canine infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis, rabies or feline distemper shall be shipped or transported into the state without the written permission of the State Veterinarian except to a licensed practicing veterinarian. No person, firm or corporation, nor the agent or employee of any corporation, shall have in his possession or use any vaccine, virus, serum or preparation of a similar nature for canine distemper, canine infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis, rabies or feline distemper without the written permission of the State Veterinarian, unless he is a licensed practicing veterinarian or acquired such preparation on a prescription issued by such a veterinarian for a specific animal. Any person, firm or corporation violating the provisions of this section shall be fined not more than two hundred fifty dollars for each offense.” So you see, if PetCo, PetSmart and Tractor Supply, which all sell this, have written permission from the State Vet, they are in compliance. Good luck.
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