Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• Dogs and cats that are considered to be a companion animal, 4 months of age and older -(510 ILCS 5/8). Veterinarians are also required to inoculate against rabies a feral cat presented for sterilization (510 ILCS 5/8(b)) unless the presenting party provides an inoculation certificate showing that the cat has been inoculated against rabies. The person presenting the feral cat to the veterinarian is responsible for the cost of the inoculation.  

  http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1704&ChapterID=41&Print=True  

  https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1704&ChapterID=41&Print=True#:~:text=(b)%20Every%20owner,veterinarian%20for%20care 

Who is legally authorized to administer a rabies vaccine?

• A licensed veterinarian only.

• REF: 510 ILCS 5/8 (from Ch. 8, par. 358) 

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

• 5 years. 

  Each person who provides veterinary medical services shall maintain appropriate patient records as defined by rule. The patient records are the property of the practice and the practice owner.  

  In accordance with the Illinois Veterinary Practice Act, 225 ILCS (Illinois Compiled Statutes) 115/25.17(d) states that veterinary patient records must be maintained for minimum of 5 years from date of last known contact with an animal patient.

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in Illinois?

• • MINIMUM Age: 12 weeks of age [in accordance with the manufacturer’s label]. 

  • MUST BE VACCINATED BY: 4 months of age [in accordance with 510 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/8].

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

• Assume 30 days, regardless of the age of the dog/cat at the time the initial dose is administered.

  Illinois statutes do not specifically state when, following administration of the initial dose of rabies vaccine, that a dog or cat is considered to be “officially vaccinated”. However, Section 30.130 of the Illinois Animal Control Act does state that an animal (dog or cat) that has been exposed to rabies virus is considered “officially vaccinated” if the animal has been vaccinated against rabies more than 30 days prior to exposure.

What criteria constitute "currently vaccinated" against rabies?

• Administrative rules for the Illinois Animal Control Act (found at 8 Illinois Administrative Code Part 30) use the term “officially vaccinated” which means the animal (dog/cat) has been inoculated with a rabies vaccine: 

  • ...as set forth in 8 ILL Adm Cod 30.90 of these rules (ie, a USDA licensed rabies vaccine); and

  • ...that has been administered by a licensed veterinarian; and

  • ...by the route and in the amount recommended by the producer of the vaccine; and

  • for which a county rabies vaccination tag has been issued and properly recorded as certificate as prescribed by the Board.

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 Illinois, 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 within 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 officially vaccinated is strictly determined by the product label of the last vaccine administered (i.e., either 1 year or 3 years).  

  Although rabies vaccination is not required in Illinois, if RE-VACCINATING ferrets, against rabies, the duration of immunity conferred by a rabies vaccine is generally considered to be 1 year, regardless of the vaccine administered. 

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

• Dogs and cats of any age, entering Illinois, must have an official health certificate issued within 30 days of entry, showing: age, sex, breed, description of dog, that dogs have no visible evidence of communicable diseases, that they originate from an area that is not under quarantine for rabies.  

  All dogs or cats 4 months of age and older shall be vaccinated against rabies and the date of the vaccination and manufacturer information must be included on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).  

  https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/agr/Animals/AnimalHealth/Pages/Animal-Import.aspx#h8
  [accessed Jan 2023] 

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

• YES. Rabies vaccine can be administered at the discretion of a veterinarian authorized to administer the vaccine. However, if a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine is administered as the initial dose, revaccination is required within 1 year. 

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 officially vaccinated at the time a booster dose is administered. 

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

  • Not specifically addressed in Illinois rabies statutes.  

    (However, it is reasonable to assume that either a 1-Year or 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine may be used).  

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • The re-vaccination interval is determined by the product label (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?

• “Rabies exposure” is not specifically defined in Illinois law. However, there are administrative rules about procedures for revaccination or confinement for rabid animals available at: 

  8 Illinois Administrative Code 30.130 

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

• The Animal Control office of the county of pet residence should be contacted to determine exposure and procedure for revaccination and confinement. The Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/5) specifically lists “rabies inoculation” and “control and prevent the spread of rabies” as duties of Animal Control Officials

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

• • “Immediate humane destruction is preferred.”  Or if the owner refuses euthanasia and;

  • “...if dog bitten had been officially vaccinated more than 30 days prior to exposure, and within the recognized period of immunity, it shall be revaccinated and confined for 45 days."

    Reference:  8 Illinois Administrative Code 30.130 

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):

    • “Immediate humane destruction is preferred.”

    • “If the dog bitten had not been officially vaccinated more than 30 days prior to exposure, it shall be vaccinated immediately (within 96 hours of exposure) and be placed under strict confinement for a 6-month period. If the exposed dog is apparently normal at the end of 5 months of the confinement period, it shall be revaccinated against rabies at that time and then remain in confinement for another 30 days.” 

      Reference:  8 Illinois Administrative Code 30.130 

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

    • In Illinois, an animal that is overdue for a rabies booster and is determined to be exposed to a (confirmed or suspect) rabid animal will be managed in the same way that an unvaccinated animal is managed (see the previous response). 

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

    • In Illinois, an animal that is overdue for a rabies booster and is determined to be exposed to a (confirmed or suspect) rabid animal will be managed in the same way that an unvaccinated animal is managed (see the previous response). 

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

• The State of Illinois DOES NOT authorize Prospective Serologic Monitoring (PSM) as a means of documenting that a dog/cat has been previously vaccinated against rabies. 

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

• This requirement is the same whether the biting animal is officially 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 Veterinarian shall report to the Local Animal Control Administrator (or Deputy, or representative) within 24 hours of presentation.

  • The animal shall be confined for 10 days. If a licensed veterinarian deems it satisfactory, the vaccinated animal may be confined in a house in a manner which will prohibit it from biting any person for 10 days.

  • At the conclusion of the confinement period, the veterinarian shall conduct an exam and submit a written report to the Administrator (or Deputy, or representative) on the final disposition of the animal. The veterinarian shall microchip the cat or dog, if not already done, at the expense of the owner. 

• NOTE: In Illinois, “Confinement” is defined as: “restriction of an animal at all times by the owner, or his agent, to an escape-proof building, house, or other enclosure away from other animals and the public.” 

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

• This requirement is the same whether the biting animal is officially 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. 

  • a. The Veterinarian shall report to the Administrator (or Deputy, or representative) within 24 hours of presentation.

  • b. The animal shall be confined for 10 days. If a licensed veterinarian deems it satisfactory, the vaccinated animal may be confined in a house in a manner which will prohibit it from biting any person for 10 days.

  • c. At the conclusion of the confinement period, the veterinarian shall conduct an exam and submit a written report to the Administrator (or Deputy, or representative) on the final disposition of the animal. The veterinarian shall microchip the cat or dog, if not already done, at the expense of the owner. 

• NOTE: In Illinois, “Confinement” is defined as: “restriction of an animal at all times by the owner, or his agent, to an escape-proof building, house, or other enclosure away from other animals and the public.” 

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. “If a licensed veterinarian determines in writing that a rabies inoculation would compromise an animal's health, then the animal shall be exempt from the rabies shot requirement, but the owner must still be responsible for the fees.” 

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?

• Illinois law does not specifically address rabies vaccination of animals other than stray cats and dogs, feral cats, and companion animals for which rabies vaccines currently exist. 

  “There is no recognized vaccine approved for use on wild (or hybrid) animals; therefore, wild (and hybrid) animals shall not be vaccinated against rabies. Any wild (or hybrid) animal so vaccinated shall not be recognized as an official vaccinate and such animal shall be subject to the provisions of the Illinois Dangerous Animals Act [720 ILCS 585].” 

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.