Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• Dogs, cats, and ferrets. [Delaware Code “DC”, Title 3, § 8204]

Who is legally authorized to administer a rabies vaccine?

• A veterinarian. [DC, Title 3, § 8204] 
  Administration of a rabies vaccination by veterinary “support personnel” or by “licensed veterinary technicians” is explicitly FORBIDDEN in the regulations of the Delaware Board of Veterinary Medicine [Regulations 1.2.6 & 1.3.5, cf DC Title 24 § 3303 (10) & (11)] 

• http://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title24/3300.shtml (accessed Dec 2022)

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

• Yes, for a minimum of 12 months after the effective expiration date of the vaccination. [DC, Title 3, § 8204(d)(2)]

• A rabies vaccination certificate shall be given to the owner. The veterinarian shall specify on the certificate the manufacturer’s specifications of the duration of immunity and the date the animal shall be revaccinated. The certificate shall be signed in a legible manner by the veterinarian and include the veterinarian’s address, telephone number and state license number. [DC, Title 3, § 8204(d)(2)] 

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in Delaware?

• • MINIMUM Age: Although not specified in Delaware law, 3 months of age is conventional minimum vaccination age in the US and Canada recommended by the vaccine manufacturer.

  • MUST BE VACCINATED BY: 6 months of age (for dogs, cats or ferrets). [DC, Title 3, § 8204]
    
    However, importation laws for dogs requires a rabies vaccination for puppies over 4 months of age that are imported into Delaware. Imported kittens 6 months of age or older are to be vaccinated for rabies. 

•  

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 (i.e., 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 Delaware, 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 generally limited to 1 year.  

  (NOTE: the Duration of Immunity conferred by rabies vaccine administered to ferrets has not been verified by Delaware Public Health officials.)

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

• All dogs, over FOUR (4) months of age, that are imported into Delaware shall be vaccinated for rabies. A CVI shall indicate the “type” of rabies vaccine used and the date of administration. Dogs may not originate from a rabies quarantined area. [DC, Title 3, 904, 10.1] 

  All cats, SIX (6) months of age or older, that are imported into Delaware, shall be vaccinated for rabies and “accompanied by an official health certificate stating that said animals are free of any infectious or contagious disease or exposure thereto.” [DC, Title 3, 904, 11.1-2] 

  Delaware importation laws:  

  http: //regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title3/900/904.pdf  [accessed Dec 2022] 

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

• Although not specifically addressed in Delaware law, the State does require that the rabies certificate indicate the manufacturer’s specifications of the duration of immunity and the date the animal shall be revaccinated. [DC, Title 3, § 8204(d)(2)] 

  As is the case in most States, Delaware does allow veterinarians to use discretion in selecting either a 1-Year or a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine. 

  IMPORTANT: the initial dose of a rabies vaccine, even if using a 3-Year labeled product, is only valid for 1 year...regardless of the age of the animal at the time the initial dose is administered. 

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.

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

  • Although not specifically addressed in Delaware law, the State does allow veterinarians to use discretion in administering a 1-Year or a 3-Year labeled vaccine when vaccinating an animal that is overdue. 

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • The booster interval for the next dose is determined by the product label on the last dose administered, ie, 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?

• The state of Delaware defines “exposure to rabies” as “a bite or contamination with the saliva of an animal known or suspected to have rabies of a mucosal membrane or fresh wound.” [DC, Title 3, § 8202(j)] 

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)

• Any veterinarian or other person with knowledge of any animal known to have or suspected of having been exposed to rabies shall report the facts to the Division of Public Health. [DC, Title 3, § 8203] 

  A dog/cat/ferret with proof of a currently valid rabies vaccination, that is exposed to an animal that is suspected or known to be rabid, shall be revaccinated immediately (within 96 hours of exposure) and quarantined for 45 days. The Department of Agriculture may make inspections, issue appropriate orders and release the quarantine after 45 days. [DC, Title 3, § 8207(a)] 

  Quarantine is defined as: “strict confinement, under restraint by leash, closed cage or paddock, on the private premises of the owner or at another specified location.” [DC, Title 3, § 8202(o)] 

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):

    • Any veterinarian or other person with knowledge of any animal known to have or suspected of having been exposed to rabies shall report the facts to the Division of Public Health. [DC, Title 3, § 8203] 

      A dog, cat or ferret with NO proof of a valid rabies vaccination shall, at the option of the owner, be either euthanized under supervision of the Department of Agriculture, or be held in isolated quarantine for a minimum of 6 months in a facility and manner approved by the Department of Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture may make inspections, issue appropriate orders and release the isolated quarantine after 6 months. Dogs/cats/ferrets shall be vaccinated for rabies one month prior to the end of the isolated quarantine. [DC, Title 3, § 8207(c)] 

      “Isolated quarantine” is defined as “confinement of an animal in such a manner whereby there exists no opportunity for contact with other animals or humans, excepting 1 person 18 years old or older who cares for that animal.” [DC, Title 3, § 8202(k)]

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

    • At this writing, the State of Delaware has NOT adopted these recommendations for the management of animals that are overdue for vaccination when exposed to a known or suspect rabid animal. 

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

    • At this writing, the State of Delaware has NOT adopted recommendations for the management of animals that are overdue for vaccination when exposed to a known or suspect rabid animal. It is recommended to contact the State Public Health Veterinarian for further information on managing affected animals.

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

• 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 

  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). 

  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. 

   [See: DC, Title 3, § 8208(a)] 

  The owner or veterinarian shall report immediately to the Division of Public Health by telephone if the dog/cat/ferret shows marked behavior changes, escapes, sickens or dies during the quarantine period. The owner shall then submit, to the Division of Public Health within 7 days of the animal’s disappearance or death, a signed notarized affidavit stating the reason that the animal was unable to complete the quarantine period. [DC, Title 3, § 8208(c)]

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. 

  Any dog/cat/ferret with NO proof of a currently valid rabies vaccination, that exposes a human to rabies, shall be quarantined for 10 days from the time of the exposure. The quarantine must be by a veterinarian, kennel or other facility approved by the Department of Agriculture. All costs are the responsibility of the owner. [DC, Title 3, § 8208(a)] 

  The dog/cat/ferret shall not be vaccinated during the 10-day quarantine. The dog/cat/ferret shall be administered a rabies vaccination at the end of the quarantine. If necessary, the quarantine period shall be extended beyond 10 days until the rabies vaccination has been administered. [DC, Title 3, § 8208(a)(3)] 

  The owner or veterinarian shall report immediately to the Division of Public Health by telephone if the dog/cat/ferret shows marked behavior changes, escapes, sickens or dies during the quarantine period. The owner shall then submit, to the Division of Public Health within 7 days of the animal’s disappearance or death, a signed notarized affidavit stating the reason that the animal was unable to complete the quarantine period. [DC, Title 3, § 8208(c)] 

  During the quarantine of an animal that has not been vaccinated by a veterinarian with a vaccine approved for that species, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Department of Agriculture or the Division of Public Health may issue a written order that the animal be humanely killed and examined for rabies if it is determined that the animal is not being quarantined adequately or that there are other reasons which make it necessary for the preservation of human health. [DC, Title 3, § 8210(c)] 

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?

• A “wild animal hybrid” may not be vaccinated “with a rabies vaccine not intended for use in that animal, except when specifically approved by the Department of Agriculture.” [DC, Title 3, § 8205(a)] 

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.