Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• Dogs greater than 6 months of age are the only species required by state law to be vaccinated against rabies. However, local jurisdictions can (and many do) have more stringent requirements (such as feline rabies vaccination requirements). 
   
  NOTE: the consequences of a NON-vaccinate having been exposed (known or suspected) to rabies is significantly more impactful to the client and the animal than if the animal is currently vaccinated. 

  NOTE: When a State-level requirement for rabies vaccination is not in effect it is the veterinarian’s responsibility to know whether or not local jurisdictions (ie, either city or county) have rabies vaccination requirements in place. Even if rabies vaccination is NOT required at the State or local level, vaccination of all dogs/cats is strongly recommended.  

Who is legally authorized to administer a rabies vaccine?

• Rabies vaccine may be administered by a licensed veterinarian only. 

  Veterinary technicians are not authorized to administer rabies vaccine in Iowa. 

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

• Currently there is no such requirement, however, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has proposed administrative rules requiring that patient records be maintained for five years. 

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in Iowa?

• • MINIMUM Age: The minimum age is based on vaccine manufacturer recommendations which are: minimum age is 12 weeks (or 3 months) of age. 

  • MUST BE VACCINATED BY: Dogs must be vaccinated by 6 months of age in Iowa. 

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 Iowa, 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).  

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

• According to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship import rules, all dogs four months of age or older must have a current rabies vaccination status. 

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 Iowa defers to the manufacturer’s product label to establish Duration of Immunity information. HOWEVER, if a 3-year labeled rabies vaccine is administered as the INITIAL dose, a booster dose must be administered 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 “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)?

  • The veterinarian may use discretion when selecting the type of rabies vaccine to administer to a dog that is overdue. 

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • The State of Iowa requires that any dog overdue for a rabies vaccine (even if by 1 day) be revaccinated within 1 year following administration of the booster dose, regardless of the product used (1-year or 3-year vaccine). 

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?

• Saliva or neural tissue contact with an open wound (including through a bite) or mucus membrane from a rabies susceptible species, especially bats and other wild animals (e.g., skunks), where the rabies status of the animal is unknown, constitute “exposure”. 

  Evaluations are made on a case-by-case basis. Evidence ruling out exposure is carefully reviewed to protect human health as well as the animal exposed. 

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 State of Iowa offers the following recommendations, which are not required by law (Per the 2011 Compendium on Animal Rabies Prevention and Control): 

  Dogs, cats, and ferrets that are currently vaccinated should be revaccinated immediately, kept under the owner’s control, and observed for 45 days. The rationale for an observation period is based in part on the potential for: overwhelming viral challenge, incomplete vaccine efficacy, improper vaccine administration, variable host immune competence, and immune-mediated fatality. 

  Livestock exposed to a rabid animal and currently vaccinated with a vaccine approved by USDA for that species should be revaccinated immediately and observed for 45 days. 

  Other mammals exposed to a rabid animal should be euthanized 
  immediately. Animals maintained in USDA-licensed research facilities or accredited zoological parks should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in consultation with public health authorities. 

  Management options may include isolation, observation, or administration of rabies biologics. 

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 State of Iowa offers the following recommendations, which are not required by law (Per the 2011 Compendium on Animal Rabies Prevention and Control): 

      Unvaccinated dogs, cats, and ferrets exposed to a rabid animal should be euthanized immediately. 

      If the owner is unwilling to have this done, the animal should be placed in strict isolation for 6 months. Isolation in this context refers to confinement in an enclosure that precludes direct contact with people and other animals. Rabies vaccine should be administered upon entry into isolation or 1 month prior to release to comply with pre-exposure vaccination recommendations.  

      Unvaccinated livestock should be euthanized immediately. If the animal is not euthanized, it should be observed and confined on a case-by-case basis for 6 months. 

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

    • Animals overdue for a booster vaccination should be considered unvaccinated. 

      Further clarification from the State is Pending 

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

    • Animals overdue for a booster vaccination should be considered unvaccinated.
      
      Further clarification from the State is Pending 

Does Iowa 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. 

  The State of Iowa does not distinguish between animals that are “currently vaccinated” vs. those that are “not currently vaccinated”.  

• State of Iowa Law: 351.39 Confinement 

  If a local board of health receives information that an animal has bitten a person or that a dog or animal is suspected of having rabies, the board shall order the owner to confine such animal in the manner it directs. If the owner fails to confine such animal in the manner directed, the animal shall be apprehended and impounded by such board, and after ten days the board may humanely destroy the animal. If such animal is returned to its owner, the owner shall pay the cost of impoundment. This section shall not apply if a police service dog or a horse used by a law enforcement agency and acting in the performance of its duties has bitten a person. 
  [C66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §351.39] 
  2001 Acts, ch 19, §1; 2001 Acts, ch 176, §68 

  State of Iowa Law: 351.36 Enforcement 

  Local health and law enforcement officials shall enforce the provisions of sections 351.33 to 351.43 relating to vaccination and impoundment of dogs. Such public officials shall not be responsible for any accident or disease of a dog resulting from the enforcement of the provisions of said sections. 
  [C66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §351.36] 

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 State of Iowa does not distinguish between animals that are “currently vaccinated” vs. those that are “not currently vaccinated”.  

• State of Iowa Law: 351.39 Confinement 

  If a local board of health receives information that an animal has bitten a person or that a dog or animal is suspected of having rabies, the board shall order the owner to confine such animal in the manner it directs. If the owner fails to confine such animal in the manner directed, the animal shall be apprehended and impounded by such board, and after ten days the board may humanely destroy the animal. If such animal is returned to its owner, the owner shall pay the cost of impoundment. This section shall not apply if a police service dog or a horse used by a law enforcement agency and acting in the performance of its duties has bitten a person. 
  [C66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §351.39] 
  2001 Acts, ch 19, §1; 2001 Acts, ch 176, §68 

  State of Iowa Law: 351.36 Enforcement 

  Local health and law enforcement officials shall enforce the provisions of sections 351.33 to 351.43 relating to vaccination and impoundment of dogs. Such public officials shall not be responsible for any accident or disease of a dog resulting from the enforcement of the provisions of said sections. 
  [C66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §351.36] 

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. Veterinarians practicing in Iowa do NOT have the authority to ‘exempt’ a dog from a required rabies vaccination for health reasons. 

  The State Veterinarian at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship can, and does periodically, issue vaccination exemptions. If an exemption in is desired contact the State Veterinarian. 

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?

• NO...Rabies vaccine is only approved for use in the designated species designated on the vaccine label. 

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.