As president of the Maine Veterinary Medical Association and a daily practicing veterinarian, I am very concerned about the implication in a recent column that said a rabies vaccine could cause tumors in dogs (April 27). I am aware of no research that has made this connection.

The disincentive to vaccinate for rabies based on tumor fear has now become an animal and public health concern. The veterinary profession has worked diligently over the years to protect our patients and public health overall. Let’s not sabotage a clearly effective rabies prevention policy due to ambiguous regulations.

Last year I had to euthanize a much loved dog that was stricken with rabies before it had the initial rabies vaccination. Make no mistake, rabies is a very real disease that is fatal. Rabies vaccine is one of the most effective and safe core vaccines that veterinarians can provide.

Veterinarians consider rabies vaccination an important, but very small part of what we do. Those of you who have pets and have developed a relationship with a veterinarian know that our emphasis is on overall patient well-being with vaccines tailored to the individual patient’s risk.

The issues regarding rabies booster intervals and licensure clearly need to be clarified. The Public Health Department is reviewing current regulations. The Maine Veterinary Medical Association looks forward to working with state officials to develop more clear and workable rabies regulations. However, creating this change by disseminating misinformation is counterproductive and could inadvertently cost lives.

William Bryant, D.V.M., president, Maine Veterinary Medical Association, Winthrop