Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• Dogs, cats and ferrets.

Who is legally authorized to administer a rabies vaccine?

• • a County Rabies Officer (who is a licensed veterinarian)
  • his/her authorized representative (which is intended to be a licensed veterinarian); or,
  • a duly licensed veterinarian.

  “(a) Every owner of a dog, cat, or ferret required to be immunized for rabies as defined in this chapter, shall cause the animal to be immunized by the rabies officer, his or her authorized representative, or any duly licensed veterinarian, when the animal reaches three months of age and subsequently in accordance with the intervals specified in the vaccine's license. 
  REF: Section 34-29-61, Code of Alabama 

  APHD Rabies Bite Manual, July 2014: “Public Health laws in Alabama (Section 3-7A of the Code of Alabama 1975) mandate that parenteral animal rabies vaccines can be administered only by a licensed veterinarian.” … “Regardless of the age of the animal at initial vaccination, a second vaccination should be administered 1 year later.”] 

  Note: In ALABAMA, in order to assure that the maximum number of animals remain vaccinated for the prevention of rabies in humans and animals, the vaccine certificate issued for rabies vaccines administered in public rabies clinics shall be one year…regardless of the product used (ie, 1-Year or 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine) 

How long must a copy of the signed rabies certificate be maintained by the practice?

• A paper copy OR an electronic copy of evidence thereof “shall be maintained by the licensed veterinarians for a period of one year past the expiration date of the certificate.” This is a recommendation, not a law. 

  (consider the signed rabies vaccination certificate to be part of the individual patient’s medical record). 

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in Alabama?

• • MINIMUM Age: 3 months of age 

  • MUST BE VACCINATED BY 3 months of age…beyond that, the client is in violation of State Law. (REF: Section 3-7A-2, Code of Alabama) 

Following administration of the initial dose of rabies vaccine, when is an animal considered to be "currently vaccinated"?

• 28 days following administration of the initial dose of rabies vaccine. This applies regardless of the animal’s age at the time the initial dose is administered.

What criteria constitute "currently vaccinated" against rabies?

• The term “currently vaccinated” is commonly used within the context of state laws affecting rabies vaccination and control.  Within the US, an animal that is “currently vaccinated” must meet EACH of the following criteria.  

  The animal must be vaccinated:

  • ...with a USDA licensed rabies vaccine.
  • ...with a vaccine that is within the labeled expiration date.
  • ...by an individual who is authorized to administer rabies vaccine.
  • (NOTE:  requirements vary significantly among states-see FAQ #2 for the requirement in this state).
  • ...at the appropriate age, interval, and dose (ie, the FULL dose, as stipulated on the manufacturer’s label, must be administered).

Is there an extended-duration (beyond 3 years) rabies vaccine available today? (see also Question #10)

• NO. 

  USDA licensed rabies vaccines available for administration to animals residing with the US are only 1-Year or 3-Year labeled vaccines.  4-YEAR labeled rabies vaccines have been discontinued and are no longer recognized in the US.   

  In Alabama, a veterinarian has the discretion to administer a 1-Year or 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine as THE INITIAL DOSE.  However…re-vaccination (booster) is required 1 year following the initial dose…regardless of the animal’s age and regardless of the vaccine administered as the initial dose.   

  RE-VACCINATION of DOGS and CATS:  When re-vaccinating (booster) against rabies, the duration that a dog or cat is considered “currently vaccinated” is strictly determined by the product label of the last vaccine administered (ie, either 1 year or 3 years).   

  RE-VACCINATION of FERRETS:  When re-vaccinating (booster) against rabies, the duration that a ferret is considered “currently vaccinated” is only 1 year. 

What are the rabies vaccination requirements for a dog/cat imported from another state or country?

• [REF: ADPH Zoonotic, Rabies Control and Bite Manual, July 2014, pp. 40-41] 
   
  International Importation: Importers of dogs must comply with CDC rabies vaccination requirements (42 CFR, Part 71.51[c]) and complete CDC form 75.37  

  Interstate Transportation: Dogs, cats and ferrets should be currently vaccinated against rabies in accordance with Section 3-7A-2, Code of Alabama 1975. Animals in transit should have a currently valid Alabama Rabies Vaccination Certificate. 

Can a 3-year labeled rabies vaccine be substituted for a 1-year labeled rabies vaccine when administering the initial dose?

• Yes. However, veterinarians are encouraged to administer a rabies vaccine in accordance with the product labeling when administering rabies vaccine boosters, ie, a 1-Year vaccine should only be used when issuing an ANNUAL Vaccine Certificate; a 3-Year vaccine should only be used when issuing a 3 YEAR Vaccine Certificate.

What are the re-vaccination requirements for a pet that is overdue for a required rabies booster? (4 parts)

• When is an animal considered to be "overdue" for a rabies booster?

  • An animal is considered “overdue”, and NOT currently vaccinated, if just one day beyond the labeled duration of the last rabies vaccine administered (1 year or 3 years).   

    The exception to this rule is that an animal is considered “overdue” after just one year following the initial rabies vaccine dose, regardless of the vaccine labeling.   

• Following re-vaccination of an "overdue" animal, when is the animal considered to be "currently vaccinated"?

  • A dog or cat that is overdue for a rabies vaccine is considered “immediately currently vaccinated” at the time the animal is re-vaccinated. 

    This rule applies despite the time that has lapsed since administration of the previous dose of rabies vaccine.   

    (ref:  ADPH Zoonotic, Rabies Control and Bite Manual, July 2014, p. 28) 

• When re-vaccinating the “overdue” patient, which vaccine must be used (1-Year or 3-Year labeled vaccine)?

  • A veterinarian has the discretion to use either a 1-Year or a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine. 

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • “If a previously vaccinated animal is overdue for a booster, it should be revaccinated with a single dose of vaccine and placed on an interval in accordance with the vaccine’s label.” (ADPH Zoonotic, Rabies Control and Bite Manual, July 2014, p. 28) 

Can a "positive" rabies antibody titer substitute for a required booster dose?

• No.  Within the United States, a rabies antibody titer is NOT recognized as an index of immunity (or protection) in lieu of vaccination.   

  NOTE:  A “positive” rabies titer from a certified laboratory only means that the animal (at the time of travel) has been “adequately vaccinated” against rabies and meets the rabies vaccination requirement of that country/region at the time of importation. 

  For a current list of importation requirements by country see: 

  https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel 

• or 

  Search:  APHIS Pet Travel 

What constitutes rabies "exposure" in a pet?

• "‘Exposure’ or ‘Exposes’ means an incident resulting in contact of saliva or neural tissue with a break or abrasion of the skin or with any mucous membrane. The term includes a bite or scratch.” (ADPH Administrative Code, Chapter 420-4-4-01(7): Rabies Control Program, 2015 updated) 

Who has the authority to determine if a pet has been exposed to rabies?

• State Response Pending

What are the consequences of rabies "exposure" in a pet that is "currently vaccinated"? (see also FAQ #6 and #13)

• The exposure is to be reported to the ADPH. The dog or cat or ferret should be immediately revaccinated (within 96 hours of exposure), kept under the owner’s control and observed at home for 45 days. The animal should not be permitted to roam freely and should be restricted to leash walks. At first sign of illness, the local rabies control agency should be notified and if a veterinarian determines that clinical signs are suggestive of rabies, the animal should be immediately euthanized and tested for rabies. (ADPH Zoonotic, Rabies Control and Bite Manual, July 2014, p. 29)

What are the consequences of rabies "exposure" in a pet that is not "currently vaccinated"? (see also FAQ #6 and #13)

• Three variations must be considered in determining management of the exposed animal.

  • Unvaccinated (ie, has NEVER been vaccinated against rabies):

    • The exposure is to be reported to the ADPH. The unvaccinated dog/cat/ferret is to be euthanized immediately. If the owner is unwilling to euthanize, “the animal must be placed in strict isolation for 6 months and vaccinated either upon entry to isolation OR one month prior to release. 

      Strict isolation should be conducted under the authority of the county health department.” At first sign of illness, the local rabies control agency should be notified and if a veterinarian determines that clinical signs are suggestive of rabies, the animal should be immediately euthanized and tested for rabies. (ADPH Zoonotic, Rabies Control and Bite Manual, July 2014, p. 29)

  • Is OVERDUE for a booster, and has documentation of prior vaccination:

    • Animals with expired vaccinations need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

  • Is OVERDUE for a booster, but DOES NOT HAVE documentation of vaccination:

    • Animals with expired vaccinations need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Does Alabama recognize the results of Prospective Serologic Monitoring (PSM) as valid documentation that a dog/cat has been previously vaccinated against rabies?

• State Response Pending

• Prospective Serologic Monitoring (PSM) is a defined testing protocol specifically indicated for use in dogs & cats (ONLY) that have been determined (by public health or rabies control authorities) to be “exposed” to rabies (See also FAQs #12 and #13 in this section) yet, the owner is unable to provide valid documentation of recent rabies vaccination.   

What action is required if an animal that is "currently vaccinated" bites a person? (see also FAQ #6)

• The animal causing a bite injury to a person is required to be quarantined for 10 DAYS.

• This requirement is the same whether the biting animal is currently vaccinated or is not vaccinated.

• (NOTE:  THE LOCATION IN WHICH THE ANIMAL IS QUARANTINED MAY BE DETERMINED BY LOCAL RABIES CONTROL AUTHORITIES).

• DO NOT VACCINATE the animal prior to beginning the 10-day confinement. REASON: a reaction to vaccination could be confused with early signs of rabies.

• If the animal is vaccinated, an appropriate health officer may permit the quarantine to be carried out in the home of the owner, provided that: a) the exposure was a provoked incident, b) the owner agrees to an examination by a veterinarian after 10 days (exam may be waived if the bite victim is the owner), c) the animal is kept in an enclosed area (e.g. one room) with a single caretaker, d) the owner contacts the county health department if the animal exhibits clinical signs suggestive of rabies, and e) the owner immediately notifies the county health department if the animal escapes or exposes another animal or human. (ADPH Administrative Code, Chapter 420-4-4-.05(3): Rabies Control Program, 2015 updated)

• Canine corps dogs and seeing-eye dogs are exempt from quarantine if vaccinated and exposure occurs in the line of duty, but they must be examined by a licensed veterinarian after 10 days. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 3-7A-9.g)

• Who does the assessment at the end of 10 days? The veterinarian under whose care the offending animal has been committed for quarantine shall perform the health assessment at the end of the 10-day quarantine. The veterinarian is to report the results to the attending physician of the human being bitten or exposed and the appropriate health officer.” (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 3-7A-9.f) 

What action is required if an animal that is "not currently vaccinated" bites a person? (see also FAQ #6)

• The animal causing a bite injury to a person is required to be quarantined for 10 DAYS. 

  This requirement is the same whether the biting animal is currently vaccinated or is not vaccinated.   

  (NOTE:  THE LOCATION IN WHICH THE ANIMAL IS QUARANTINED MAY BE DETERMINED BY LOCAL RABIES CONTROL AUTHORITIES). 

  DO NOT VACCINATE the animal prior to beginning the 10-day confinement. REASON: a reaction to vaccination could be confused with early signs of rabies. 

  The animal that causes the bite must be placed in quarantine under the direct supervision of a duly licensed veterinarian for rabies observation (at the owner’s expense) for 10 days. 

  NOTE: The veterinarian under whose care the offending animal has been committed for quarantine shall promptly report the results of his or her observation of the animal to the attending physician of the human being bitten or exposed and the appropriate health officer. 

  If the owner of an animal that bites a person refuses to comply with the quarantine requirement (or any provision of the Code of Alabama 1975) he or she shall be charged with a Class C misdemeanor.

As a licensed veterinarian, do you have the authority to exempt an animal from the legal requirement to be vaccinated against rabies? (eg., for medical reasons)

• YES. Alabama is among a limited number of States in which a licensed veterinarian may initiate a rabies vaccination exemption for an animal if vaccination is determined to be injurious to the animal’s health. 

  NOTE: The Alabama Board of Health established procedures and qualification for an exemption. The Alabama Dept of Health has published A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION FROM RABIES VACCINE to be completed and signed by the licensed veterinarian and also signed by the owner. 

  The exemption is valid for a period not to exceed 1 year. The exemption from rabies vaccination does not exempt the animal from other laws related to rabies (ie, if exposed to a known or suspect rabid animal, the exempted pet will be managed as though it is not currently vaccinated...see #13 above) 

  The veterinarian initiating the rabies vaccine exemption in Alabama must provide the owner with 1 copy, must maintain a copy for a period of 1 year, and must provide a copy to the Alabama Dept of Public Health with 7 days of issuance.

At what age is it no longer necessary to vaccinate an animal against rabies?

• Within states that require rabies vaccine be administered, re-vaccination is required throughout life at the appropriate interval for the species indicated by State or local laws/regulations. Exemption is not authorized on the basis of age alone. 

Is rabies vaccination of a hybrid or exotic pet allowed or recognized?

• In Alabama, a “hybrid-cross” is defined as: “an animal resulting from the crossbreeding between two different species or types of animals. Crosses between wild animal species and domestic animals are considered to be wild animals.” (ADPH Administrative Code, Chapter 420-4-4-.01(10): Rabies Control Program, 2015 updated) 

  Hybrid-cross animals are not considered immunized by rabies vaccinations because of the uncertainties of the immunologic response. Hybrid-cross animals “involved in exposures to humans shall be considered for euthanasia on a case-by-case basis by the Department with due consideration given to the species, the circumstances of the exposure, and the epidemiology of rabies in the area.” (ADPH Administrative Code, Chapter 420-4-4-.09(e): Rabies Control Program, 2015 updated) 

At the State level, what authority does the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control carry?

• The Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control is published by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc. Recommendations outlined in the latest version of the Compendium serve as a basis for animal rabies prevention and control programs throughout the United States and facilitate standardization of procedures among jurisdictions. As published, the Compendium is not a statutory document. 

  NOTE: many (but not all) States have recently revised rabies laws/regulations by citing designated recommendations outlined in the latest version of the Compendium. Where cited in law, published recommendations do serve as the legal basis for patient management decisions made in practice as they concern rabies and rabies vaccination.   

  Compendium recommendations, if included as legal requirements for this state, are reflected in the FAQs listed within this section.