Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• Dogs and Ferrets (there is no State requirement for the vaccination of cats against rabies) 

  (Exception: For the purposes of this act, a kennel shall be construed as an establishment wherein or whereon 3 or more dogs are confined and kept for sale, boarding, breeding or training purposes, for remuneration, and a kennel facility shall be so constructed as to prevent the public or stray dogs from obtaining entrance thereto and gaining contact with dogs lodged in the kennel. 
  Any person who keeps or operates a kennel may, in lieu of individual license required under this act, apply to the county treasurer for a kennel license entitling him to keep or operate a kennel. Proof of vaccination of dogs against rabies shall not be required with the application. 

  (Exception: Ferrets maintained for research in a designated facility are exempt) 

Who is legally authorized to administer a rabies vaccine?

• Dogs – Michigan licensed and accredited veterinarian 

  Cats – Michigan licensed veterinarian or under supervision of a veterinarian as defined in the Michigan Public Health Code 

  Ferrets – Michigan licensed veterinarian 

  Livestock – owners may vaccinate their own livestock with an approved USDA licensed product (cattle, horses, sheep) 

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

• Effective April 15, 2021: 

  Current Administrative Code has a requirement of a MINIMUM of SEVEN (7) years from the date of the last veterinary service. This is from the Dept of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA-Veterinary Medicine) – General Rules, Part 5 Medical Records R338.4921(4). 

  https://ars.apps.lara.state.mi.us/AdminCode/DownloadAdminCodeFile?FileName=R%20338.4901%20to%20R%20338.4933.pdf&ReturnHTML=True     

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in Michigan?

• • MINIMUM Age: The minimum age for vaccinating a dog or ferret in Michigan is 12 weeks.

  • MUST BE VACCINATED BY: Ferrets – required when over 12 weeks of age  
    
    Dogs – rabies vaccination is required in order for a dog owner to obtain license. The owner shall apply for license when dog is 4 months of age; must be licensed by 6 months of age; proof of a current rabies vaccination is required (i.e., if the vaccine expires before the license expires, the dog must be revaccinated before a new license can be issued). 

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 Michigan, 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).  

  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?

• Dogs – 3 months of age and over must be vaccinated. 
  Ferrets – over 12 weeks of age must be vaccinated. 

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

• YES, a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine may be substituted for a 1-Year labeled rabies in Michigan. 

  HOWEVER, if a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine is administered as the INITIAL dose, a second dose must be administered within 1 year...regardless of the animal’s age at the time the initial dose was administered. 

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)?

  • Michigan State law does not specifically address this point. It is suggested to follow the recommendations outlined in the latest version of the Compendium on Animal Rabies Prevention and Control which indicates that discretion may be used in selecting either a 1-Year or 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine. 

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • The revaccination (booster) interval is determined by the product label (i.e., either 1 year or 3 years). 

Can a "positive" rabies antibody titer substitute for a required booster dose?

• NO. Within the United States, a “positive” rabies antibody titer is NOT recognized as an index of immunity (or protection) in lieu of vaccination and therefore does NOT substitute for a required 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?

• • Bites and wounds from known rabies susceptible animals except those on the Michigan “Do Not Test” list (Michigan Rabies Flow Chart). See the following: 
    https://www.michigan.gov/documents/rabies_pets_flowchart_134247_7.pdf?20150615144858

  • Bites and wounds from unknown source.

  • Bat exposure – playing with, eating, or carrying bat in mouth; being unsupervised and in the same room with a bat. 

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)

• Follow guidance outlined on the Michigan Rabies Flow Chart:
  https://www.michigan.gov/documents/rabies_pets_flowchart_134247_7.pdf?20150615144858  

• NOTE: this applies to dogs, cats, ferrets, and livestock.

• Guidance assumes the animal was legally vaccinated and product was administered in accordance with the label. The protocol is to:

  • immediately (within 96 hours of exposure) administer a booster vaccination, and

  • 45-day observation;  if the animal dies during the confinement period, it must be tested;  if the animal becomes ill during the confinement period, it should be humanely euthanized and tested for 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):

    • Follow the Michigan Rabies Flow Chart: 

      https://www.michigan.gov/documents/rabies_pets_flowchart_134247_7.pdf?20150615144858    

      NOTE: this applies to dogs, cats, ferrets, and livestock. 

      Protocol entails:

      • euthanasia and testing...

      • if the owner is unwilling to have the animal euthanized, the exposed animal must be “strictly quarantined for 6 months and must be vaccinated 1 month prior to release; 

      • if at any time during the quarantine, the animal develops clinical signs suggestive of rabies, the exposed animal will be immediately euthanized and tested. 

  • 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 Michigan 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)

• NOTE: This requirement is the same whether the biting animal is currently vaccinated or is not vaccinated. See FAQ #18.  

  DO NOT VACCINATE the animal prior to beginning the 10-day confinement.  

  REASON: an adverse reaction to the vaccine could be confused with early signs of rabies and could result in a decision to euthanize and test. 

  Follow the recommendations outlined in the Michigan Rabies Flow Chart: 

  https://www.michigan.gov/documents/rabies_pets_flowchart_134247_7.pdf?20150615144858    

  NOTE: Applies to dogs, cats, and ferrets. 

  Animal bites to humans are reportable to the local health department within 24 hours. Note: the law concerning ferret bites to humans says bites need to be reported within 48 hours. In a legal situation, not clear if 24 hours or 48 hours would prevail. The 24-hour rule, technically speaking, applies when/if rabies is being considered. 

  The protocol entails confinement and 10-day observation in cases where the animal is healthy, and the owner wants to keep the animal. 

  See the Michigan Rabies Flow Chart for other scenarios. 

  (NOTE: THE LOCATION IN WHICH THE ANIMAL IS QUARANTINED MAY BE DETERMINED BY LOCAL RABIES CONTROL AUTHORITIES). 

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

• NOTE: This requirement is the same whether the biting animal is currently vaccinated or is not vaccinated. See FAQ #17.  

  DO NOT VACCINATE the animal prior to beginning the 10-day confinement.  

  REASON: an adverse reaction to the vaccine could be confused with early signs of rabies and could result in a decision to euthanize and test. 

  Follow the recommendations outlined in the Michigan Rabies Flow Chart: 

  https://www.michigan.gov/documents/rabies_pets_flowchart_134247_7.pdf?20150615144858    

  NOTE: Applies to dogs, cats, and ferrets. 

  Animal bites to humans are reportable to the local health department within 24 hours. Note: the law concerning ferret bites to humans says bites need to be reported within 48 hours. In a legal situation, not clear if 24 hours or 48 hours would prevail. The 24-hour rule, technically speaking, applies when/if rabies is being considered. 

  The protocol entails confinement and 10-day observation in cases where the animal is healthy, and the owner wants to keep the animal. 

  See the Michigan Rabies Flow Chart for other scenarios. 

  (NOTE: THE LOCATION IN WHICH THE ANIMAL IS QUARANTINED MAY BE DETERMINED BY LOCAL RABIES CONTROL AUTHORITIES). 

  NOTE: Large carnivores and wolf-dog crosses shall be euthanized and tested. 

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. Michigan does not allow discretionary exemption from rabies vaccination. 

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 as required by State or local laws/regulations. Exemption is not authorized on the basis of age. 

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

• The State of Michigan does not recognize vaccination against rabies in species for which the vaccine is NOT licensed. There are currently no rabies vaccines licensed for use in hybrid species (e.g., wolf-dog crosses). 

  However, MICHIGAN DOES allow the owner of a wolf-dog cross that has potentially exposed a human or mammalian pet to rabies to quarantine the animal for a period of 10 days from the time of the exposure...if the owner can provide proof of vaccination (USDA licensed vaccine only) at least 30 days before the exposure. 

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.