Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• There is no State-level requirement for rabies vaccination in Kansas. However, local jurisdictions (cities and/or counties) do have a rabies vaccination ordinance or resolution in effect. 

  Kansas is divided into 105 counties and contains 627 incorporated municipalities. Ten of the105 counties (i.e., Barton, Harvey, Jackson, Johnson, Lyon, Reno, Saline, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wyandotte) have a rabies vaccination requirement for dogs (n = 10), cats (n = 9), ferrets (n = 5), and horses (n = 1). There are at least 194 municipalities that require dogs to be vaccinated and 184 that require cats to be vaccinated. Unfortunately, a comprehensive list of the cities of Kansas rabies vaccination ordinances does not exist. 

  The local health department of the county in which the veterinarian practices or resides is the best resource for county rabies vaccination requirements. Contact information for your local health department can be found on the KDHE website under the ‘Find a Local Health Department’ button. 

  The City Clerk should be contacted for information about city-specific rabies vaccination laws. The phone number and contact information for the City Clerk for your city can be found through an internet search. 

  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?

• The rabies vaccine must be given by a licensed veterinarian or a person acting under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian as defined by K.S.A. 21-1213 and amendments thereto. 

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

• The Kansas Veterinary Practice Act requires, in general, that all patient records shall be maintained for three (3) years from the date of the last visit. [KAR 70-7-1(h)(1)]

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in Kansas?

• • MINIMUM Age: There is no State requirement. Vaccination requirements are determined by the individual city or county (where applicable).
    
    If there is no city ordinance or county resolution for rabies vaccination, veterinarians should use the age-guidelines provided in the package insert (label) of the rabies vaccine being administered...which is 12 weeks of age (minimum for both dogs and cats). 

  • MUST BE VACCINATED BY: There is no State requirement. Vaccination requirements are determined by the individual city or county (where applicable).  

     

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.  

  An animal is considered currently vaccinated 28 days after the date of the initial vaccination, and for a period of 365 days from the date of vaccination, in accordance with the vaccine label. Thereafter animals shall continue to receive booster vaccinations at intervals according to the vaccine label (i.e., at either 1 year or 3-year intervals). [KAR 28-1-13]. 

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 Kansas, 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 (i.e., either 1 year or 3 years).  

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

• Dogs and cats imported into Kansas shall have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by a licensed veterinarian stating that the animal has not been exposed to rabies and, if 3 months or older, has been vaccinated against rabies with a USDA licensed vaccine, in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. [dogs: KAR 9-7-9(c), cats: KAR 9-7-9a(c)] 

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

• Yes. There is no State statute or regulation that specifically prohibits this practice. However, the latest version of the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control states, “There are no laboratory or epidemiological data to support the annual or biennial administration of 3-year vaccines after completion of the initial vaccine series” (i.e., the initial vaccination and booster dose administered 1 year later. 

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.  

    An animal is considered ‘overdue’ if it is not currently vaccinated against rabies. 

    “Currently vaccinated against rabies” means properly immunized by or under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian with an anti-rabies vaccine licensed and approved by the United States Department of Agriculture for use in that animal species. The animal shall be considered currently vaccinated 28 days after the date of the initial vaccination, and for a period of 365 days from the date of vaccination, in accordance with the vaccine label. Thereafter animals shall continue to receive booster vaccinations at intervals according to the vaccine label. 

• 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.   [See: K.A.R. 28-1-13] 

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

  • There is no State requirement; this is determined by the city or county (where applicable). 

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • There is no State requirement; this is determined by the city or county (where applicable). 

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?

• “Exposed to rabies” means a bite, scratch or abrasion by a known or suspected rabid mammal, or open wound or mucous membrane contact with the saliva or neural tissue from a known or suspected rabid mammal as defined in K.S.A. 75-5661 and amendments thereto. 

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)

• A dog, cat, or ferret currently vaccinated against rabies shall be evaluated by a veterinarian, receive a rabies booster vaccination within 96 hours of exposure, and be observed (at home under the owner’s control) for signs of rabies for 45 days following the exposure to rabies. 

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):

    • A dog, cat, or ferret that is exposed to rabies and has never been vaccinated against rabies shall be euthanized immediately... OR... 

      ...the dog or cat shall be placed in quarantine for 4 months (a ferret shall be place in quarantine for 6 months) at a location determined by the secretary or local health officer. 

      ALSO... 

      • A rabies vaccine shall be administered upon entry into quarantine but not to exceed 96 hours from exposure.

      • If rabies vaccination is given greater than 96 hours after exposure, the quarantine period for the dog or cat shall be 6 months following the exposure.

      • The local health officer shall authorize the release of the dog, cat, or ferret at the end of the quarantine period and, if applicable, upon payment of the boarding fee by the owner.

      • It is recommended the veterinarian administer two additional vaccinations, one at day 7 and another anytime between day 21 and day 28 to potentially increase the animals chance to mount an immune response to prevent rabies infection. 

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

    • The owner of the dog or cat that is overdue for a rabies booster vaccination shall provide appropriate documentation of the animal receiving at least one previous rabies vaccination to the secretary or local health officer.

    • The dog or cat shall receive a rabies booster vaccination within 96 hours of exposure to rabies.

    • The dog or cat shall be kept under the owner’s control, and observed for signs of rabies for 45 days.

    • The owner shall immediately notify the local health officer if any signs of rabies are observed.

    • If the rabies booster vaccination is given more than 96 hours following rabies exposure, the observation period shall be determined by the secretary or local health officer. 

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

    • NOTE: Two (2) options are available:

      • Option 1: Manage the animal as though it is UNVACCINATED:

        • Shall be placed in quarantine for 4 months.

        • Rabies vaccine shall be administered upon entry into quarantine but not to exceed 96 hours from exposure.

        • If rabies vaccination is given after 96 hours from exposure, the quarantine period for the dog or cat shall be 6 months.

        • The local health officer shall authorize the release of the dog or cat at the end of the quarantine period and, if applicable, upon payment of any boarding fee by the owner.

      • Option 2: Prospective Serologic Monitoring (see FAQ #16 in this section):

        • Prior to administration of the rabies vaccine booster within 96 hours of exposure, the attending veterinarian shall contact the local health officer for guidance in the possible use of prospective serologic monitoring.

        • Serologic monitoring means drawing paired serum samples to document prior vaccination by providing evidence of an anamnestic response to the rabies vaccine booster.

        • If an adequate anamnestic response is documented, the dog or cat shall be observed for signs of rabies for 45 days.

        • If there is inadequate evidence of an anamnestic response, the animal is considered to have never been vaccinated and shall be quarantined for 4 months.

        • The dog or cat shall remain in quarantine until the final results of the serologic monitoring are available.

        • The local health officer shall authorize the release of the dog or cat at the end of the observation period or quarantine period and, if applicable, upon payment of the boarding fee by the owner.
           

    • FOR A FERRET THAT IS EXPOSED and OVERDUE FOR A RABIES VACCINE BOOSTER.

      • Ferret overdue for a rabies booster vaccination shall be evaluated case-by-case to determine the need for euthanasia, immediate revaccination and 45-day observation, or 6-month quarantine based upon:

        • Severity of exposure 

        •  Time elapsed since last vaccination 

        •  Number of previous vaccinations 

        •  Current health status 

        •  Local rabies epidemiology 

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

• The State of Kansas DOES authorize Prospective Serologic Monitoring (PSM) as a means of documenting 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 

  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. 

  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. 

  Vaccination status is not a factor. An owned dog, cat or ferret that bites a human shall be isolated for 10 days as determined by the local health officer, at either the owner’s residence, or a veterinary hospital, or a facility holding a current state pound or shelter license. Stray, unclaimed or unwanted cats, dogs, ferrets shall be euthanized and tested for rabies. [KAR 28-1-13] 

  (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. 

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. 

  Vaccination status is not a factor. An owned dog, cat or ferret that bites a human shall be isolated for 10 days as determined by the local health officer, at either the owner’s residence, or a veterinary hospital, or a facility holding a current state pound or shelter license. Stray, unclaimed or unwanted cats, dogs, ferrets shall be euthanized and tested for rabies. [KAR 28-1-13] 

  (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. 

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)

• There is no state requirement for rabies vaccination in Kansas therefore there is no State-level exemption for rabies vaccination of animals. However, many cities and some counties may have a rabies vaccination ordinance or resolution and may have provisions for a rabies vaccination exemption. 

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?

• There is no state statute or regulation prohibiting the vaccination of a hybrid dog or cat. However, many cities and some counties have their own rabies vaccination ordinance or resolution and, in addition, might have a law prohibiting ownership of wolf hybrids. 

  Although no parenteral rabies vaccine is licensed for use rabies vaccination history of hybrid animals is taken into consideration when evaluating a human who has been bitten by a hybrid animal or a hybrid animal that has been exposed to a rabid animal. 

  Hybrid and exotic animals that bite a person shall be managed in accordance with the judgement of the secretary or local health officer. [KAR 28-1-13] 

  Hybrid and exotic animals, which are exposed to rabies, shall be managed on a case-by case basis as determined by the secretary or local health officer. [K.A.R. 28-1-13] 

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.