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MINUTES <br />ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH <br />November 17, 2005 <br />Board of Health Minutes Transcription completed by Anne Miles Cassell 2 November 17, 2005 <br />An e coli outbreak across the state in the fall of 2004 was traced back to a petting zoo at the NC <br />State Fair. Since that time, the NC Department of Agriculture developed and published <br />guidelines that were designed to help prevent such outbreaks. During the 2005 NC legislative <br />session, the General Assembly directed the Department of Agriculture to adopt rules and <br />“continue educating agricultural fair operators, exhibitors, agritourism business operators, and <br />the general public about the health risks associated with animal exhibitions.” In light of this, it <br />seems that additional local regulation may not be necessary, but discussion of the issue would <br />provide direction to staff. Bob Moratto, Animal Services Director, was present to answer <br />questions from the Board. <br /> <br />It was agreed that until the rules are finalized by the Department of Agriculture it would be <br />difficult to determine what actions the department would need to take. Mr. Marotto and Dr. <br />Summers will consult with the county attorney to determine whether the law addresses relevant <br />venues. <br /> <br />B. Resolution on Influenza Vaccine Supply <br /> <br />For the past several years, there have been problems with influenza vaccine supplies. This year <br />although there seems to be adequate supplies, the distribution seems to favor large purchasers <br />without giving priority to government or safety net providers. The Department has been in <br />consultation with the NC Division of Public Health and offers the draft resolution that many <br />Board members offered support for this resolution and encouraged the forwarding to <br />commissioners. <br /> <br />Motion to adopt the resolution and forward to the Board of Commissioners for consideration was <br />made by Alice White, seconded by Matt Vizithum, and carried without dissent. <br /> <br />C. Board Officer Nominations for 2006 <br /> <br />The election of officers occurs during November or December to allow for a smooth transition <br />of leadership for the next calendar year. This procedure, providing for a one-year term and <br />elections at the last regular meeting for the year, was adopted in 2000. <br /> <br />The nominating committee proposed Jessica Lee for the Chair position and Matt Vizithum for <br />the Vice Chair position. No other nominations were made from the floor. Additional <br />opportunity for nominations from the floor will be made next month at the election. <br /> <br />Alan Rimer suggested the Board consider revising the officer terms to two-years to assist in <br />continuity from year to year. The Board agreed to consider this in February. <br /> <br />D. Veterinarian Vacancy <br /> <br />The veterinarian position is currently vacant and the nominating committee has received one <br />current applicant for the slot. The Board reviewed the application and heard recommendations <br />from Board members.