Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• Dogs, cats (required in 1994), and ferrets (required in 1998) 

Who is legally authorized to administer a rabies vaccine?

• A licensed veterinarian ONLY. 

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

• The State of Florida stipulates that veterinarians are required to maintain medical records, including rabies vaccination records (certificates) for AT LEAST 3 YEARS. 

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in Florida?

• • MINIMUM Age: 12 weeks of age. 

  • MUST BE VACCINATED BY: 4 months of age (in Florida, this applies to all dogs/cats/ferrets).

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 Florida, 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 only 1 year.

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

• In accordance with Florida Administrative Code r. 5C-3.001 through 3.012, an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (OCVI) is required. ALSO... 

  All dogs or cats imported into Florida, except dogs or cats imported for exhibition purposes only and that will remain in the state less than six (6) months and any service animal or working dog, must be accompanied by an OCVI stating that they are:

  • Free from signs of any infectious or communicable disease; and...

  • Did not originate within an area under quarantine for rabies; and are...

  • Not known to have a history of exposure to a rabies-infected animal prior to importation. 

• In addition to being accompanied by an OCVI, each dog or cat imported into Florida must:

  • Meet the minimum standards for vaccinations, tests, and anthelmintic treatments, and be eight (8) weeks of age or older as specified in Section 828.29, F.S. Evidence of Compliance with this Section (828.29, F.S.), shall accompany the owner or agent having jurisdiction of such dogs or cats imported into Florida or to which ownership is being transferred.

  • Rabies Vaccination. Dogs or cats, including exhibition dogs or cats or service animals and working dogs, three (3) months of age and older transported into Florida must have a current rabies vaccination.

  • Prior Permission Number. Dogs or cats originating from areas under quarantine for rabies must have a prior permission number from the Department as provided in subsection 5C-3.002(3), F.A.C. The prior permission number must be written on the OCVI.

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

• Yes. The State of Florida allows a veterinarian to use discretion in the selection and use of 1-year or a 3-year labeled rabies vaccine at any point in the animal’s life. 

  HOWEVER, if a 3-year labeled rabies vaccine is administered as the FIRST dose of rabies vaccine, a booster must be still be administered within 1 year. Thereafter, booster vaccination may be administered annually or triennially in accordance with the manufacturer’s label. 

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)?

  • In Florida, veterinarians have discretion to administer a 1-Year Rabies Vaccine or a 3-Year Rabies Vaccine to an animal that is overdue for a required booster. 

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • The interval (duration of immunity) is dictated by the manufacturer’s label of the product used...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?

• Chapter 3 of the 2014 Florida Rabies Prevention/Control Guidebook does an excellent job defining human “exposure” to rabies...including what is NOT considered exposure. 

  In general, the State of Florida uses the same ‘exposure’ definition for animals that is outlined in the 2014 Guidebook: 

  “A rabies exposure is any bite, scratch, or other situation in which saliva, cerebral spinal fluid, tears, or nervous tissue from a suspect or known rabid animal or person enters an open wound, is transplanted into, or comes in contact with mucous membranes of another animal or person.” 

  Florida does go on to further define (see Chapter 3 in the 2014 Guidebook):

  • High-Risk Animal Exposure (eg, dog injured in a fight with a raccoon).

  • Moderate-Risk Animal Exposure (eg, dog injured in a fight with another dog that has an unknown vaccination history), and...

  • Low-Risk Animal Exposure (eg, dog injured in a fight with a vaccinated dog)

• It should be assumed, however, that each case can be considered on an individual basis and the determination made by the County Health Dept Director/Administrator (or their designee) in conjunction with the veterinarian who examined the animal.

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

• It should be assumed, however, that each case can be considered on an individual basis and the determination made by the County Health Dept Director/Administrator (or their designee) in conjunction with the veterinarian who examined the animal. 

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

• The exposed animal (dog/cat/ferret) should be RE-vaccinated against rabies immediately (within 96 hours of exposure). 

  Vaccinated dogs, cats, and ferrets (applies also to horses, cattle, and sheep) that have been or otherwise potentially exposed to rabies by other animals may be confined for a 45-day quarantine period. 

  ASSUME THAT THE CONDITIONS OF ‘HOME QUARANTINE’ ARE:

  • the investigating officer certifies the adequacy of the site,

  • the owner signs a confinement responsibility statement, and

  • there is no record of non-compliance with animal control regulations.

• (Police dogs and service dogs are exempt from quarantine requirements if currently vaccinated.) 

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):

    • Unvaccinated dogs, cats, and ferrets (applies also to horses, cattle, and sheep) that have been or otherwise potentially exposed to rabies by other animals may be confined for 180 day quarantine period. 
      HOWEVER, home confinement of unvaccinated animals may not be permitted: 
       
      If the animal is unvaccinated and at moderate risk for rabies, the 180-day 
      quarantine period may be carried out in a city or county animal shelter or at a licensed veterinary clinic having recognized isolation procedures, at the owner’s expense. 
       
      The animal MUST BE vaccinated against rabies at the owner’s expense by a licensed veterinarian following termination of the quarantine period. 

  • 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 Florida 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 

  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. 

  Vaccinated animals may be “isolated and observed” at home provided:

  • the investigating officer certifies the adequacy of the site,

  • the owner signs a confinement responsibility statement, and 

  • there is no record of non-compliance with animal control regulations.

• (Police dogs and service dogs are exempt from quarantine requirements if currently vaccinated.) 

  NOTE: Animals with a history of a potential rabies exposure (i.e. interaction with rabid, feral, or wild animals) that cause moderate to severe face or neck bites to a person, may be subjected to immediate euthanasia and testing at the owner’s expense...HOWEVER, testing may not be necessary for animals with virtually no rabies risk (i.e. currently vaccinated older animals with a history of multiple rabies vaccinations, strictly indoor pet). 

  NOTE: In most cases, wolves, wolf-dog crosses and exotic cat crosses will be euthanized and tested for rabies should they bite or otherwise expose a person. 

  Post-quarantine follow-up on the health status of the animal is the responsibility of the County Health Director/Administrator or a designee. 

•  

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. 

  HOWEVER, home confinement of unvaccinated animals may not be permitted: 
   
  If the animal is unvaccinated and at moderate risk for rabies, the 10-day 
  observation is recommended in a city or county animal shelter or at a licensed veterinary clinic having recognized isolation procedures, at the owner’s expense. 
   
  The animal MUST BE vaccinated against rabies at the owner’s expense by a license veterinarian following termination of the observation period. 

  NOTE: Unvaccinated domestic animals with a history of a potential rabies exposure (i.e., interaction with rabid, feral, or wild animals) that cause moderate to severe face or neck bites to a person, should be immediately tested (ie, euthanized and tested). If confinement of the animal is not possible or practical, the animal can be euthanized, and its brain submitted for laboratory examination at the owner’s expense. 

  NOTE: In most cases, wolves, wolf-dog crosses and exotic cat crosses will be euthanized and tested for rabies should they bite or otherwise expose a person. 

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. In the State of Florida, a dog, cat, or ferret is exempt from vaccination against rabies if a licensed veterinarian has examined the animal and has certified in writing that at the time vaccination would endanger the animal’s health because of its age, infirmity, disability, illness, or other medical considerations. 

  An exempt animal must be vaccinated against rabies as soon as its health permits. 

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 based on age alone. 

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

• Wolves and wolf-dog crosses, and wild cats (lions, pumas, bobcats, etc.), raccoons, wild cat/housecat crosses, and other wild animals are not recommended as pets. However, if owned, captive bred animals must be properly permitted through the Florida Wildlife Commission. 

  Because of the possible protective effect of vaccination, veterinarians are encouraged to vaccinate these animals against rabies providing:

  • the owner signs a statement recognizing the current “off-label” use of the vaccine; and...

  • the owner understands that the animal will be euthanized and tested for rabies should it bite or expose a person or be exposed to a rabid animal. 

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.