Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• Only dogs and cats are required by law. 

  The Mississippi State Department Board of Health regulations “recommends” vaccination of ferrets. Ferrets are also included in its regulations on post-exposure management or animals that bite humans. [Mississippi State Statutes (MSS) 41-53-1] 

Who is legally authorized to administer a rabies vaccine?

• According to state statutes, rabies vaccinations are to be given by a licensed veterinarian. 

  Although statutes state that other competent persons granted a permit by the State Board of Health may also administer rabies vaccines, currently no permits are granted. [MSS 41-53-5] 

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

• State statutes require the person administering a vaccination to maintain a record (and furnish a copy to the owner) which includes the name of the owner, breed and sex of each dog or cat vaccinated and also the markings and serial number of the rabies tag given to the owner of each dog. [MSS 41-53-9] 

  The state statutes do not indicate how long records are to be kept. However, in the “Minimum Standards for Clinic Evaluation” produced by the Mississippi Board of Veterinary Medicine, it states that in general, veterinary records are to be available for a minimum of 3 years following the last examination, office visit, or discharge of the animal from the veterinary facility.”  

  [http://mississippivetboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Minimum-Standards-for-Clinic-Evaluation-2012-2015.pdf] 

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in Mississippi?

• • MINIMUM Age: [Not specifically addressed in Mississippi rabies law] However, ALL rabies vaccine manufacturers currently stipulate that rabies vaccine be administered to dogs/cats that are 12 weeks of age or older. 
    
    NOTE:  A 3-Year labeled USDA-licensed rabies vaccine must be administered. Mississippi does not recognize a 1-Year labeled rabies vaccine. 

  • MUST BE VACCINATED BY: Three (3) months of age. 
    
    NOTE:  A 3-Year labeled USDA-licensed rabies vaccine must be administered. Mississippi does not recognize a 1-Year labeled rabies vaccine. 

     

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.  

  NOTE:  A 3-Year labeled USDA-licensed rabies vaccine must be administered. Mississippi does not recognize a 1-Year labeled rabies vaccine. 

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 Mississippi, 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 and cats, 3 months of age or older, that are brought into the state for any purpose, shall be vaccinated against rabies within 6 months prior to date of entry. 

  Dogs and cats under 3 months of age may be admitted without rabies vaccination but are to be quarantined and vaccinated at 3 months of age. The location and duration of quarantine is not specified. 

  https://www.mbah.ms.gov/regulations/chapter-12/ 

  NOTE:  A 3-Year labeled USDA-licensed rabies vaccine must be administered. Mississippi does not recognize a 1-Year labeled rabies vaccine. 

  From the Mississippi Board of Animal Health; Chapter 12. 109.01: 

  “Rabies Vaccination. All dogs, cats, and ferrets three (3) months or older transported or moved into the state for any purpose shall be accompanied by proof of current rabies vaccination per guidelines outlined in the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Rabies Compendium. Proof of vaccination must be provided via a rabies vaccination certificate signed by an attending, licensed veterinarian. Mississippi Law requires all dogs and cats to be vaccinated for rabies, using a three (3) year vaccine following Rabies Compendium guidelines. For purposes of entry, Mississippi will accept manufacturer recommendations but animals must comply with the three (3) year immunity vaccine requirement if staying in the state or if the animal requires a booster to remain current. Dogs, cats, and ferrets under three (3) months of age may be admitted without rabies vaccination to be quarantined until vaccination at three (3) months of age.” 

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

• Currently, Mississippi does not permit the use of any 1-Year labeled rabies vaccine. Thus, only 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine may be used in the state for any rabies vaccination of a dog or cat. [MBAH Regulations, Ch 18.100, amended 2007; MS State Dept of Health Regulations, Sect XVII.12] 

  NOTE: When administered as the initial rabies vaccine dose in the life of an animal, a 3-Year labeled vaccine is recognized to have a 1-year duration of immunity. Re-vaccination is required within 1 year following the initial dose 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)?

  • Mississippi only recognizes a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine. 

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • The vaccination interval thereafter is every 3 years, in accordance with the product label. 

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?

• The Mississippi Dept of Health Regulations define exposure in accordance with that outlined in the Rabies Compendium: known or suspected introduction of rabies virus into bite wounds, open cuts in skin, or onto mucous membranes, from saliva or other potentially infectious material such as neural tissue. Also, “any animal bitten or scratched by a wild, carnivorous mammal or bat that is not available for testing” is considered exposed. 

  Questions pertaining to rabies exposure should be directed to State or local public health authorities. 

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)

• Dogs, cats, AND ferrets that are currently vaccinated should be revaccinated immediately and kept under the owner’s control and observed for 45 days. 

  NOTE:  “immediately” is generally interpreted to mean within 96 hours of the known/suspected exposure. 

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):

    • Unvaccinated dogs, cats AND ferrets should be euthanized immediately. If the owner is unwilling, then the animal should be placed in strict isolation for 6 months and vaccinated 1 month before being released. [per Mississippi State Dept of Health Regulations] 

  • 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 Mississippi 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. 

  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:  Mississippi regulations include the following: “Any stray or unwanted dog, cat or ferret that bites a person may be euthanized immediately and the head submitted for testing. [per Mississippi State Dept of Health Regulations] 

  It is recommended to contact the State Public Health Veterinarian for advice on managing the animal that inflicted the bite injury on a person.  

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. 

  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:  Mississippi regulations include the following:  “Any stray or unwanted dog, cat or ferret that bites a person may be euthanized immediately and the head submitted for testing. [per Mississippi State Dept of Health Regulations] 

  It is recommended to contact the State Public Health Veterinarian for advice on managing the animal that inflicted the bite injury on a person.  

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.

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?

• “Offspring of wild animals bred with domestic dogs or cats are considered wild animals. Vaccination of wildlife is not recommended since no vaccine is licensed for use in wild animals.” [per Mississippi State Dept of Health Regulations] 

  Even if a hybrid dog/cat is administered rabies vaccine, the animal will be considered “not currently vaccinated” in the event it is exposed. If a rabies-vaccinated hybrid animal bites a human, public health authorities may require euthanasia and testing, regardless of the animal’s vaccination status or antibody titer.

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.