Rabies Titer Testing

Titer Testing of individual dogs and cats for rabies virus neutralizing antibody (RVNA) can only be performed by an authorized laboratory (listed below).

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Testing

Testing is generally limited to pet dogs/cats traveling from the US to rabies-free countries or regions of the world that specifically require a “POSITIVE” test result prior to travel.

The Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) test is the most common test performed for pet travel. Laboratories may be able to perform RVNA testing by the Rapid Fluorescent Foci Inhibition Test (RFFIT). Test results are reported as either an endpoint titer (eg, 1:50) or as a value of RVNA potency (eg, 0.5 IU/mL).

  • A “positive” RVNA test result only means that the animal has mounted an adequate immune response following vaccination.
  • A “positive” RVNA test result is NOT interpreted as immunity to or protection from rabies virus if exposed.
  • RVNA test results will not distinguish between rabies infection and rabies vaccination.

Access current pet travel and rabies vaccination requirements by searching: APHIS Pet Travel.

Available Laboratories

Laboratory - KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

The Rabies Laboratory    
Kansas State University    
2005 Research Park Circle    
Manhattan, KS 66502

Phone:  

785-532-4483

FAX:  

785-532-4474

Sample Submission Information:

2.0 mL (MINIMUM) of serum (cold pack) in a 5.0 mL test tube (no additives).    
Test name: Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN)    
Cost: $84 per sample. (price is subject to change)

Patient samples must be submitted separately using the (new) KSU FAVN REPORT FORM.    
For the FORM and INSTRUCTIONS click here.

Turn-around times may vary depending on laboratory workload. The Rabies Laboratory is currently experiencing staff shortages. AT THIS TIME, results are expected to take 7 to 8 weeks.

“Stat” requests are currently NOT being offered.

Laboratory - AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Auburn University-College of Veterinary Medicine    
Serology-Virology Lab    
261 Greene Hall    
1130 Wire Road    
Auburn University, AL 36849-5519

Contact person:    
Theresa Wood (Virology Lab Manager)    
virology@vetmed.auburn.edu    
(334) 844-2659

Sample Submission Information:

1.0 mL (MINIMUM) of serum (cold pack) (suggest no additives).    
Test name: Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN).

  • The laboratory no longer performs RFFIT testing for pet travel.
  • The animal must be microchipped before sample collection by a licensed veterinarian.
  • The Laboratory is currently NOT approved to test animals traveling to JAPAN.

Samples and patient information must be submitted on the new FAVN Submission/Report Form.    
For the FORM and INSTRUCTIONS click here.

Turn-around times may vary depending on laboratory workload. The Viral-Serology laboratory is currently NOT accepting expedited samples.

AT THIS TIME, results are expected to take 4 to 5 weeks.

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Laboratory - UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI          
One Health - Rabies Laboratory

Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory           
Veterinary Health Center           
University of Missouri             
901 E. Campus Loop          
Columbia, MO 65211

Phone:  

573-882-3646
800-862-8635

FAX:  

573-882-7120

Email: muvmdlrabies@missouri.edu

Website: https://vmdl.missouri.edu/one-health-rabies/

Tests offered:  FAVN for Pet Export and Animal Non-Export

Sample Submission Information:             
0.5 – 2.0 mL of clear serum in an unbreakable tube labeled with the animal’s microchip number/name. Microchip number is required for Pet Export only.

NOTE:  Unlabeled specimens are not acceptable and will be rejected.

For Pet Export:  Submission forms must include the pet's microchip number AND veterinarian's signature. If one or both are missing, the sample and submission form will be rejected.

Test Name for Pet Export:  Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) for exportation.

(Contact the Laboratory for information on specific countries.)

Cost:  $79 per sample. (price is subject to change).

Turnaround Time:  7-10 business days from date of sample receipt.  

Timing of blood draw:  In general, ~21 to 30 days after the most recent rabies vaccination is the optimal time period to measure the antibody response (FAVN result).

Check with the destination for any required waiting periods.

For Instructions and access to the Submission Form click here.

Test Name for NON-export:  Rabies Antibody-Non Export      
(for routine monitoring of rabies vaccination response and Perspective Serological Monitoring)

Cost:  $58 per sample. (price is subject to change).

Turnaround Time:  7-10 business days from date of sample receipt.  

For instructions and access to the Submission Form click here: