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Town of Bennington 1998 Annual Report

HEALTH OFFICER'S REPORT

My three year appointment as Health Officer started on January 1,1998. A Health Officer is the Town official who is responsible for Public Health Problems. Health Officers are Agents of the State Health Department. Health Officers have the authority to enforce any of the Vermont Health Regulations. The Select Board is the local board of health. The responsibilities of the Health Officer include the following categories:

Rabies Management
I received and investigated 40 reported animal bites to humans in 1998; 30 from dogs, 9 from cats and I bat bite. This appears to be an increase from previous years with Pitbulls, Rotweillers' and Dalmatians doing the majority of the biting. Most of the animals were not rabid; however, some of the bites were by dogs running loose that couldn't be found. The victim must start the rabies treatment as a precaution since we cannot assume the dog was properly vaccinated. The annual Town of Bennington Rabies Clinic was held on March 28, 1998. One Hundred Forty Three (143) pets received Rabies Vaccinations at a very minimal cost to the pet owners. In late February or early March of 1999, we hope to once again provide this service.


Rental Housing
I investigated 10 complaints pertaining to rental housing Health Code issues, The Vermont Rental Housing Health code is a statewide uniform code that specifies the minimum standards for all rental housing. As the Building and Fire Inspector for the Town, I can now include the Health Code requirements in all Building and Fire inspections. This provides that all code requirements fall under one inspection by one inspecting organization.


Other Public Health Issues
The balance of time was spent investigating such matters as garbage Complaints, inadequate water supplies, failed septic systems, and rodent/roach complaints.

Health Hazard issues such as the use of chemicals in an Elementary School and air quality concerns from a burned building were also investigated. I was successful in obtaining voluntary compliance with all public health problems this year and appreciate the cooperation from all involved. Please feel free to contact me regarding any questions or concerns you may have.



Respectfully submitted,
Larry McLeod, Health Officer

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