Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• The State of Minnesota does not define legal requirements for immunization of dogs, cats, or ferrets against rabies. The rabies vaccination requirement for pets is left to the discretion of individual municipalities or counties in Minnesota.

• 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.  

• NOTE: in Minnesota, the owner or custodian of a dog that does not have appropriate anti rabies vaccination and which bites or otherwise exposes a person to rabies virus, may be penalized [violation is a “petty misdemeanor” under Minnesota law).

Who is legally authorized to administer a rabies vaccine?

• As of 2013, in MN, animal rabies vaccines may only be administered by or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

• The rabies certificate must be signed by the veterinarian.

• NOTE: In Minnesota, “under the supervision of” means that a veterinarian has to be on the premises at the time the vaccine is administered.

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

• The MN Veterinary Practice Act stipulates that a veterinarian must maintain a copy of all rabies certificates as part of the pet’s medical record for a minimum of 3 years.

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in Minnesota?

• MINIMUM Age: The MINIMUM age a pet dog/cat should be vaccinated is 12 weeks.

• Minnesota adheres to recommendations outlined in the latest version of the Compendium on Animal Rabies Prevention and Control and in accordance with the manufacturer’s label recommendations for the individual vaccine. Based on current recommendations:

• MUST BE VACCINATED BY: The State of Minnesota does not stipulate the age at which a dog/cat/ferret MUST BE vaccinated. However, local jurisdictions may stipulate such age requirements.

• NOTE: The State of Minnesota does specifically require a dog, cat, or ferret that is 3 months of age or older, and is imported into the State, to be currently vaccinated for rabies.
   
  NOTE: The rabies vaccination requirement, where in force, may be exempted by the Minnesota Board of Animal Health based on written recommendations of a licensed veterinarian who has examined the animal and who has determined that vaccination is contraindicated due to a medical condition.

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.

  • …at the appropriate age, interval, and dose (ie, the FULL dose, as stipulated on the manufacturer’s label, must be administered).

• (NOTE: requirements vary significantly among states-see FAQ #2 for the requirement in this state).

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 Minnesota, 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: If 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?

• In accordance with Minnesota Administrative Rules, dogs, cats, and ferrets, 3 months of age or older, that are imported into MN must be currently vaccinated against rabies.

• In addition, a dog, cat, or ferret imported into MN must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.

• (NOTE: several exceptions to the requirement for a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection are cited).

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

• The State of Minnesota has no restrictions regarding the use of a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine in lieu of a 1-Year labeled vaccine.
   
  In recent years in MN, concerns have been raised over the issue of veterinarians using a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine but indicating on the rabies certificate that the duration of the vaccine is only 2 years. That practice is not condoned by the MNVMB unless required by local (municipality or county) ordinance.
   
  NOTE: if a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine is administered as the INITIAL dose of rabies vaccine, a booster must be still be administered within 1 year for the pet to be “currently vaccinated”. Thereafter, booster vaccination may be administered annually or triennially in accordance with the manufacturer’s label.

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)?

  • There is no State regulation or law stipulating that a veterinarian MUST use a particular vaccine (1-Year vs. 3-Year labeled vaccine) when re-vaccinating an overdue animal. It is reasonable to assume that the choice can be made at the discretion of the veterinarian…ie, either a 1-Year or a 3-Year labeled vaccine may be administered to an overdue animal.

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • The interval (duration of immunity) is dictated by the manufacturer’s label of the product used…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 “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?

• Minnesota rabies regulations address rabies “exposure” in relatively broad terms.

• If a veterinarian knows, or suspects, rabies ‘exposure’ (or infection) has occurred in a patient presented to a hospital, the veterinarian is required to contact the Minnesota Board of Animal Health (BAH) at (651) 201-6808.

• The Board of Animal Health investigates all cases in which a domestic animal has been exposed to rabies under BAH Rules 1721.0570.

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

• State Clarification Pending

• It is assumed that an authorized representative from the Minnesota Board of Animal Health makes the final decision regarding whether or not the animal has been “exposed”…not the examining veterinarian.

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

• Unless specifically exempted by the MN Board of Animal Health, an exposed animal that is currently vaccinated for rabies must be:

  • kept under (home) confinement; and

  • observed for signs of rabies for 45 days; and

  • revaccinated for rabies within 3 days of the exposure

• NOTE: If the animal is NOT re-vaccinated WITHIN 3 DAYS, it may be designated a ‘non-vaccinate”…then the rules become significantly more strict and expensive for the owner (see below).
   
  “Confinement “generally means “home observation” unless the MN Board of Animal Health dictates otherwise.
   
  Reporting (during confinement/quarantine). Any illness in an animal that is under confinement or quarantine established under this part must be reported immediately to the Board of Animal Health.

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):

    • An animal for which there is a licensed rabies vaccine (ie, dog, cat, ferret), but which has never been vaccinated for rabies, must be euthanized or quarantined for 180 days.
      
      “Quarantine” generally means ‘in a facility designated by the Board of Animal Health and at the owner’s expense.’
      
      Minnesota’s Rabies Rules specifically state:
      
      Quarantine procedures. Animals must be quarantined in a manner approved by the board so as to minimize contact with persons or other animals. Dogs, cats, and ferrets, unless exempted by the board, must be vaccinated or revaccinated for rabies at the beginning of the quarantine period.
      
      Release of quarantine on rabies-exposed animals. All animals that are quarantined for rabies must be inspected by a veterinarian at the end of the quarantine period. Quarantine established on an animal under this part must not be released until a written report is received by the Board from a licensed veterinarian stating the veterinarian inspected the animal at the end of the quarantine period and observed no signs of rabies. No dog, cat, or ferret may be released from quarantine unless it is currently vaccinated for rabies.
      
      Reporting (post quarantine). Any illness in an animal that is under confinement or quarantine established under this part must be reported immediately to the board.

  • 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:

    • A.State Response Pending

Does Minnesota 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 or the animal must be euthanized and tested for rabies.

• 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.

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

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

• NOTE: If requested by the Department of Health, a stray or impounded dog, cat, or ferret that bites a human may be euthanized and tested for rabies before the required holding period as specified in part 1721.0520, subpart 10, or in Minnesota Statutes, section 346.47.
   
  NOTE: Confinement procedures. An animal under confinement for rabies observation must be restricted in such a way that the animal can always be found and cannot wander away. A dog, cat, or ferret that is currently vaccinated for rabies may be confined in the home or as directed by local authorities.

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 or the animal must be euthanized and tested for rabies.

• 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.

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

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

• NOTE: If requested by the Department of Health, a stray or impounded dog, cat, or ferret that bites a human may be euthanized and tested for rabies before the required holding period as specified in part 1721.0520, subpart 10, or in Minnesota Statutes, section 346.47.

• NOTE: Confinement procedures. An animal under confinement for rabies observation must be restricted in such a way that the animal can always be found and cannot wander away. A dog, cat, or ferret that is not currently vaccinated for rabies may be required by local authorities to be confined at a veterinary clinic or other secure location at the owner's expense.

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)

• In Minnesota, there is no entity with official authority to exempt an animal from a rabies vaccination requirement unless specifically stated in a local ordinance. 
   
  For locations within the state where an ordinance is in place, a veterinarian may submit a letter of request for rabies vaccination exemption to the local rabies licensing authorities. The letter should describe the specific medical condition for which the exemption is being requested.

• NOTE:  Additional restrictions may apply (eg, duration of the exemption; consequences if the exempted animal bites a person or is exposed to a known or suspect rabid animal.

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?

• In accordance with recommendations outlined in latest version of the Compendium on Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, wild and hybrid animals should not be kept as pets…it does, however, happen. 
   
  No parenteral rabies vaccine (oral rabies vaccines are used in selected areas of the US and Canada to limit the spread of rabies virus among terrestrial wildlife) has been licensed for use in wild animals or hybrids. Furthermore, neither the safety nor efficacy of rabies vaccines licensed for administration to dogs, cats, ferrets have been established in wild or hybrid animals.
   
  In Minnesota, if a wild or hybrid animal bites a human, management is on a case-by-case basis through the Minnesota State Public Health Veterinarian (Dept of Health) in consultation with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

  • euthanized,

  • quarantined for up to 180 days, or

  • confined for up to 180 days. The Board may also require the animal to be vaccinated against rabies.

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.