Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• Dogs and cats. 

  The Arkansas Rabies Control Act (RCA) §20-19-305 states that “all dogs, cats and other animals shall be vaccinated against rabies as required by the State Board of Health.” 

  The Arkansas “Rules Pertaining to Rabies Control” of 2010 [Rules Section II.A] mandates vaccination of all dogs and cats. 

  In Arkansas, vaccination of ferrets against rabies is recommended; vaccination is not required.

Who is legally authorized to administer a rabies vaccine?

• A licensed veterinarian only.

• Current law stipulates that an “agent of the Arkansas Department of Health” [RCA §20-19-302(6) and Rules Sect I.F], using a canine or feline vaccine approved by the USDA or Arkansas State Board of Health, may administer a rabies vaccine.  However, this rule has never been used. 

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

• There are no requirements specific to retaining rabies certificates, however the “Rules and Regulations of the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Examining Board” (effective January 1, 2009) requires, in general, that “ALL records shall be readily available and must be kept for a period of three (3) years following the last treatment or examination.” [Rules & Regulations of the AVMEC, 092.00.1-5 Record Keeping: 9.B] 

  https://arvetboard.statesolutions.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Practice-Act-Rules-Regulations-2018.pdf  [link current: Dec 2022] 

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in Arkansas?

• • MINIMUM Age: The minimum age is to be in accordance with the labels of USDA licensed vaccines. [Rules Sect II.A]
    
    12 weeks of age is the minimum age for all USDA licensed rabies vaccines.

  • MUST BE VACCINATED BY: Four (4) months of age. [Rules Sect II.A] 

•  

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 Arkansas, 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?

• “Unvaccinated dogs or cats more than four (4) months of age that are acquired or moved into the state must be vaccinated within thirty (30) days of purchase or arrival, unless there is documented evidence of current vaccination.” [Rules Sect II.A] 

  “All dogs and cats transported or moved into Arkansas for any purpose must be accompanied by an official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and have been vaccinated against rabies not more that twelve (12) months prior to entry. Dogs and cats under four (4) months of age are exempt. Arkansas will accept a three (3) year rabies vaccination if the dog or cat has had at least one previous rabies vaccine. [Arkansas Livestock & Poultry Commission, Entry Regulations: Entry Regulations, effective January 3, 2011, p13 “Dogs and Cats”] 
   
  https://www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/wpcontent/uploads/2020/05/Entry_Requirments_.pdf  [link current: Dec 2022] 

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

• Yes. Veterinarians may use discretion in selecting a 1-Year or 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine. NOTE: Regardless of which vaccine is used for initial rabies vaccination, the cat or dog shall be revaccinated during the twelfth (12) month following the initial dose, regardless of the age at the time the initial dose was administered.

• Thereafter, the interval between revaccinations should conform with the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control (i.e., according to the product label…either 1 year or 3 years). [Rules Sect II.B] . 

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.
    
    NOTE: This point is not specifically addressed in Arkansas rabies law.
    
    Veterinarians faced with decisions impacting individual dogs/cats that are overdue for a rabies booster are encouraged to contact the State Public Health Veterinarian. Some degree of flexibility may be granted depending on the individual patient’s vaccination history.

• 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.

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

  • In Arkansas, a veterinarian may use discretion in selecting either a 1-Year or a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine when revaccinating an overdue dog or cat.

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • Following re-vaccination, the booster interval is determined by the product label (either 1 year or 3 years).

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?

• Arkansas statutes and rabies Rules only refer to exposure in terms of a “bite”. A bite is defined as: “The skin has been penetrated by an animal’s teeth and saliva has contacted a break or abrasion of the skin.” [RCA §20-19-302(4) and Rules Sect I.E] 

  For further characterization of a suspected exposure, contact the State Public Health Veterinarian.

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

• In Arkansas, questions concerning pet “exposure” (known or suspected) to rabies, and the resulting consequences (ie, confinement, quarantine, etc), should be addressed directly with the State Public Health Veterinarian. 

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

• The dog or cat shall be revaccinated immediately and restrained by the owner. This is to be done by “complete confinement and observation in a secure cage or enclosure for a period of at least forty-five (45) days, or the animals may be euthanized as a precaution.” [Rules Sect VII.A] 

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 dog or cat shall be euthanized immediately OR quarantined (confined in a secure cage or enclosure) and observed, free from human contact, for six (6) months and vaccinated for rabies at least thirty (30) days prior to release. The owner is responsible for all costs. [Rules Sect I.G.1 & Rules Sect VII.B] 

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

    • State Response Pending

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

    • State Response Pending

Does Arkansas 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.   

  NOTE: The PSM testing protocol and submission requirements are strictly defined and must be adhered to.  The PSM testing protocol is available at: 

  http://www.nasphv.org/Documents/NASPHVSerologicMonitoring2016.pdf 

  NOTE:  properly labelled, paired specimens are required.   

  Indications for PSM:  Applies ONLY to dogs and cats. 

  WHERE PSM is ALLOWED BY THE STATE or LOCAL JURISDICTION, all the following criteria must apply:

  • the dog/cat has been exposed to a confirmed or suspected rabid animal (as determined by public health or designated rabies control authorities); and,

  • the owner cannot provide valid documentation of previous vaccination (with a USDA Licensed vaccine); and,

  • the owner of the dog/cat that is determined to have been “exposed” to rabies (see questions #12 and #13) wants to avoid euthanasia or the expense of strict quarantine (usually 4 months or 6 months, depending on the state); and,

  • the animal can be managed by a veterinarian who is able to conduct the PSM protocol.

• NOTE: Please check the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians website at www.nasphv.org for the most current guidance on the testing protocol prior to any sample collection. 

  NOTE:  properly labelled, paired specimens are required.  Do not send samples separately.  Both serum samples should be received by the laboratory at the same time. 

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). 

  The dog or cat SHALL NOT BE VACCINATED AGAINST RABIES until the quarantine period is complete. If there is no record of current vaccination status, the cat or dog will be vaccinated prior to release from quarantine. If there is a record of current vaccination, then no revaccination need be given upon release. [Rules Sect I.I.1] 

   REASON:  a reaction to vaccination could be confused with early signs of rabies. 

  The rabies vaccination status of a dog or cat is not a factor. Health authorities are to be notified promptly following a bite indicent. [RCA §20-19-306(a)] 

  Both vaccinated and unvaccinated dogs and cats will be confined, quarantined and observed (in a secure cage or enclosure free from human or animal contact) for ten (10) days from the date of the bite; or, with the owner’s consent, the dog or cat may be euthanized and its head sent for rabies testing at the Public Health Laboratory. [RCA §20-19-307(b)(1); Rules Sect I.G, Sect I.I.1 & Sect IV] 

  Quarantine may take place in a public pound or licensed veterinary hospital. “When appropriate facilities are not available, it is the owner’s responsibility to prepare and maintain satisfactory confinement facilities.” [RCA §20-19-307(a)(2)]Rules Sect I.I.1] 

  All fees, including confinement, observation, or euthanasia and transportation costs are the responsibility of the owner of the cat or dog. If ownership cannot be established, then all expenses (veterinary fees, confinement, observation, or euthanasia and transportation) are the responsibility of the victim, or if a minor, by the victim’s parent of guardian. [RCA §20-19-307(c)(2); Rules Sect IV] 

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). 

  The dog or cat SHALL NOT BE VACCINATED AGAINST RABIES until the quarantine period is complete. If there is no record of current vaccination status, the cat or dog will be vaccinated prior to release from quarantine. If there is a record of current vaccination, then no revaccination need be given upon release. [Rules Sect I.I.1] 

   REASON:  a reaction to vaccination could be confused with early signs of rabies. 

  The rabies vaccination status of a dog or cat is not a factor. Health authorities are to be notified promptly following a bite incident. [RCA §20-19-306(a)] 

  Both vaccinated and unvaccinated dogs and cats will be confined, quarantined and observed (in a secure cage or enclosure free from human or animal contact) for ten (10) days from the date of the bite; or, with the owner’s consent, the dog or cat may be euthanized and its head sent for rabies testing at the Public Health Laboratory. [RCA §20-19-307(b)(1); Rules Sect I.G, Sect I.I.1 & Sect IV] 

  Quarantine may take place in a public pound or licensed veterinary hospital. “When appropriate facilities are not available, it is the owner’s responsibility to prepare and maintain satisfactory confinement facilities.” [RCA §20-19-307(a)(2)]Rules Sect I.I.1] 

  All fees, including confinement, observation, or euthanasia and transportation costs are the responsibility of the owner of the cat or dog. If ownership cannot be established, then all expenses (veterinary fees, confinement, observation, or euthanasia and transportation) are the responsibility of the victim, or if a minor, by the victim’s parent of guardian. [RCA §20-19-307(c)(2); Rules Sect IV] 

  SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Vaccinated and unvaccinated animals that bite a human are treated the same way. One difference is with dogs or cats that bite a human under “special circumstances”. 

  Under “special circumstances” the Director of the Arkansas DoH, or his/her designated representative, may advise the immediate euthanasia of the dog or cat and have the animal’s head shipped for rabies testing. Special circumstances 

  “Special Circumstances” is defined as: “Bites upon the head, face, neck or upper extremities; deep lacerations; multiple bite wounds inflicted by unvaccinated dogs, cats or other animals.” [Rules Sect I.H & Rules Sect IV] 

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)

• No.

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?

• Wolf-dog hybrids are required to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian with a vaccine approved for dog use, and a rabies certificate may be issued. The veterinarian is to inform the owner that it is an off-label use of the vaccine and protection is not guaranteed. 

  If a wolf-dog hybrid bites a person, taking into consideration the circumstances of the bite, if it is determined that there is a significant risk for transmission of rabies, then the wolf-dog hybrid will be euthanized and brain tissue submitted for rabies testing. If it is determined that the risk for transmission of rabies if very low, then a quarantine for a 30 day observation period may be ordered rather than euthanasia. 

  If in the future the USDA approves a rabies vaccine for wolf-dog hybrids, then they will fall under the same regulations as dogs regarding biting humans and rabies control. [Arkansas Code Annotated, §20-19-406] 

  https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/2017/title-20/subtitle-2/chapter-19/subchapter-4/section-20-19-406/  

  The following points must be considered:

  • Wolves and wolf-dog hybrids are required to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian with a vaccine approved for dog use, and a rabies certificate may be issued.

  • Veterinarians shall inform the owner of the wolf or wolf-dog hybrid, preferably in writing, that the vaccination is considered "off label" and that protection against rabies is not guaranteed.

  • If a wolf or wolf-dog hybrid bites a person, the following criteria shall be used by an official of the Department of Health in dealing with the animal:

    • The decision shall consider, at least:

      • The epidemiology and risk of rabies in the species of animal in question;

      • Possible prior exposure to a rabies vector; 

      • Behavior of the animal at the time of the bite;

      • Prior rabies vaccinations; and

      • Other circumstances that may exist; 

    • In some situations, the department shall consider the initiative and willingness of the individual so exposed to submit to postexposure antirabies immunization after being adequately informed of all potential risks;

    • Upon written order by the Director of the Department of Health or a specifically designated representative, any biting animal determined to be at significant risk for the transmission of rabies shall be humanely killed and the brain tissue submitted for testing; and

    • The department has the authority to order the quarantine of an animal determined to be a very low risk for the transmission of rabies for a thirty-day observation period as an alternate method to euthanasia and testing.

    • Owners shall be notified and given three (3) business days to provide proof to the department in their animal's defense before the animal can be euthanized. 

    • If in the future the United States Department of Agriculture approves the use of rabies vaccines in wolves or wolf-dog hybrids, or both, then wolves and wolf-dog hybrids will fall under the same regulations as dogs regarding biting humans and rabies control. 

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.