Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• Dogs, Cats, Ferrets (effective June 2005) 
   

Who is legally authorized to administer a rabies vaccine?

• • A veterinarian licensed to practice in the State of Kentucky

  • FOR DOGS (not cats or ferrets): either a Kentucky licensed veterinarian OR a Qualified owner may vaccinate his/her own dogs, provided the individual complies with each of the following:

    • The Owner takes an instructional course on rabies epidemiology, laws, and vaccine administration, and then passes a written examination with a score of 70% or greater. The Qualified Owners Program course and examination will be provided annually in Frankfort, KY.

    • Permits to vaccinate one’s own dogs are issued by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and must be renewed annually between January 1 and February 28 of each year or the permit will be cancelled.

    • If a person with a permit vaccinates a dog that is NOT OWNED by him/her the permit will be revoked.

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

• In accordance with Kentucky Revised Statutes para. 321.187: "Medical recordkeeping - Access to records" (dated:  6/28/2023):

• "Original patient records shall be retained by the practice, veterinarian, or AAHP who prepared them and be readily retrievable for a period of five (5) years following the last patient encounter."

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in Kentucky?

• • MINIMUM Age: Not specified in Kentucky statutes; however veterinarians should adhere to the vaccine manufacturer's labeling.  At this time, all rabies vaccines licensed in the US stipulate 12 weeks of age as the minimum age for administering the initial dose of rabies vaccine to a dog, cat, or ferret.   

  • MUST BE VACCINATED BY: 4 months of age. 

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 Kentucky, 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 only 1 year.  

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

• “All dogs, cats, and ferrets (over 4 months of age) brought into Kentucky shall be vaccinated against rabies and have a currently valid rabies vaccination certificate. Reciprocity with other states is granted if the vaccine is U.S. Department of Agriculture approved and administered by a veterinarian licensed in that state.” Vaccination is to be in accordance with recommendations outlined in the most current version of the Compendium on Animal Rabies Prevention and Control. 

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

• Substituting a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine for a 1-Year labeled rabies vaccine is not prohibited in Kentucky.  However, Kentucky Administrative Regulations (902 KAR 2:070. Rabies Control, Section 2.2) states that after the initial vaccination, all dogs, cats and ferrets shall be revaccinated after one year, regardless of the vaccine used or age of the animal at time of vaccination. (effective: November 2004) 

  In accordance with Kentucky Revised Statutes, under certain, specified conditions (sanctioned rabies immunization clinic), a dog, cat or ferret that is vaccinated at 4 months of age or older will be “revaccinated at the expiration of immunization period as certified by the veterinarian”. (effective: June 2005) 

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 has discretion to administer either a 1-Year or 3-Year USDA  labeled rabies vaccine.

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • Revaccination date is then determined by the product label, ie, either 1 year or 3 years later. 

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?

• A pet dog, cat, or ferret is considered “exposed” to rabies if it has had contact with a confirmed rabid animal OR has had contact with an animal suspected to have rabies or has had contact with an animal having unknown rabies status.

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

• State Public Health authorities are authorized to determine rabies exposures.

  The Kentucky State Public Health Veterinarian should be consulted for a final determination when needed.

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

• The State of Kentucky adheres to recommendations outlined in the latest version of the Compendium on Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, which states the following:

  • For a currently vaccinated dog, cat or ferret, administer medical treatment as needed;  the exposed dog/cat/ferret should remain under the owner’s control (home confinement) and observed for a period of 45 days.

    NOTE: the State Public Health Veterinarian has the authority to extend the confinement/quarantine period depending on the circumstances surrounding the exposure.

    For any domestic animal other than dogs, cats, or ferrets, the quarantine period and location is determined by the State Public Health Veterinarian.

    For cattle that have been determined to be exposed to rabies virus, the quarantine period will be determined by the State Veterinarian in the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

• “Quarantine” is defined as: “the confinement of an animal for observation of clinical signs of illness indicating rabies infection, and the prevention of escape or contact with any person or other animal.” (KRS 258.005, effective June 2005).

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):

    • For an unvaccinated dog or cat, the animal is to be confined for a period of 4 months; the specific location at which the confinement occurs may be determined by public health authorities.

    • An unvaccinated ferret, if determined to be exposed to rabies virus, is to be confined for a period of 180 days.

    • NOTE:  Under certain circumstances, a veterinarian may coordinate with the State Public Health Veterinarian regarding the decision to administer a 3-dose rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (days 0, 7 and 21 or 28). 

      Even if the 3-dose post-exposure prophylaxis is approved and carried out, the required quarantine period still applies. 

      “Quarantine” is defined as: “the confinement of an animal for observation of clinical signs of illness indicating rabies infection, and the prevention of escape or contact with any person or other animal.” (KRS 258.005, effective June 2005).

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

    • In accordance with recommendations outlined in the latest version of the Compendium on Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, the State of Kentucky stipulates that a single dose of rabies vaccine should be administered as soon as possible (within 96 hours is recommended) following the exposure. 

      If a single dose of rabies vaccine is administered, the animal is subject to a 45-day home confinement.

      This criteria applies only if there is appropriate documentation that the exposed animal has previously received a dose of rabies vaccine. 

      “Quarantine” is defined as: “the confinement of an animal for observation of clinical signs of illness indicating rabies infection, and the prevention of escape or contact with any person or other animal.” (KRS 258.005, effective June 2005).

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

    • For an unvaccinated dog or cat, the animal is to be confined for a period of 4 months; the specific location at which the confinement occurs may be determined by public health authorities.

    • An unvaccinated ferret, if determined to be exposed to rabies virus, is to be confined for a period of 180 days.

    • NOTE:  Under certain circumstances, a veterinarian may coordinate with the State Public Health Veterinarian regarding the decision to administer a 3-dose rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (days 0, 7 and 21 or 28).  

      Even if the 3-dose post-exposure prophylaxis is approved and carried out, the required quarantine period still applies. 

      “Quarantine” is defined as: “the confinement of an animal for observation of clinical signs of illness indicating rabies infection, and the prevention of escape or contact with any person or other animal.” (KRS 258.005, effective June 2005).

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

• The State of Kentucky will accept the results of Prospective Serologic Monitoring (PSM) as a valid documentation that the animal has been previously vaccinated against rabies.

  However, a positive test result can not be used as replacement for the re-vaccination (boost) requirement.

   A “positive” PSM test result serves only to document prior vaccination in a dog/cat deemed to have been exposed to a confirmed or suspect rabid animal, but documentation of prior rabies vaccination can not be accessed. 

   A dog/cat with a  “positive” test result is still subject to the required 45-day confinement and observation by the owner.

  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 currently vaccinated or has no history of prior vaccination.  

  (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. 

  In Kentucky, a health officer or his/her agent shall have the authority to quarantine for a period not to exceed 10 days ANY dog, cat or ferret that has bitten a human being. Alternatively, the health officer may order an animal to be killed and tested for rabies. (KRS 258.085, effective July 2008) 

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 curently vaccinated or has no prior history of vaccination.

  (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. 

  In Kentucky, a health officer or his/her agent shall have the authority to quarantine for a period not to exceed 10 days ANY dog, cat or ferret that has bitten a human being. Alternatively, the health officer may order an animal to be killed and tested for rabies. (KRS 258.085, effective July 2008) 

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. Medical exemptions for rabies vaccination are not authorized in the State of Kentucky.

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?

• This issue is not specifically addressed in KY rabies statutes. It is reasonable to assume that a rabies vaccination, if administered to a hybrid animal, would not be recognized as an immunizing vaccine (as is true in most states). In the event a vaccinated hybrid dog/cat is exposed to rabies, or bites a human, immediate euthanasia and testing could be mandated.  

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.