Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• Dogs and cats over the age of three (3) months are required to be vaccinated against rabies. [New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) 7.4.2.8.A] 

  However, New Mexico Administrative Code does include ferrets when dealing with the management of animals exposed to rabies. [NM Stat § 77-1-3 (2016) & New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) 7.4.2.8.9.B and .4.2.11.A] 

  First booster shall be given within 12 months of initial vaccination, with subsequent boosters given at one (1) or three (3) years according to the labeled duration of the vaccine used. The route of vaccination and amount of vaccine used shall be determined by the manufacturer’s recommendations and the latest version of the Rabies Compendium. [NMAC 7.4.2.8.A&D]

Who is legally authorized to administer a rabies vaccine?

• Rabies vaccine must be administered by or under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. [NM Stat § 77-1-3 (2016)] 

  NOTE: In accordance with the New Mexico Veterinary Practice Act: 

  16.25.9.20 DIRECT SUPERVISION OF NON-VETERINARIANS: Non-licensed individuals are prohibited from practicing veterinary medicine which includes but is not limited to chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, homeopathy, therapeutic massage, dentistry, embryo transfer or any other related services on animals as defined in NMSA 1978, Section 61-14-2(B)(1), except under the direct supervision of a New Mexico-licensed veterinarian. 

  Direct supervision includes the following:

  • the licensed veterinarian must have established a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship;

  • the treatment must be performed on the order of a licensed veterinarian;

  • the licensed veterinarian must be on the premises and readily available;

  • the licensed veterinarian must assume liability for the quality of any treatment performed; and

  • the fee for services rendered shall be paid to the licensed veterinarian or licensed facility.

• [16.25.9.20 NMAC – Rp 16.25.9.20 NMAC, 01-17-2014] 

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

• In accordance with the New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine’s Rules and Regulations: 16.25.9.21.1.B “Record Keeping” states that all records shall be kept “for a minimum of four (4) years after the animal’s last visit.”  

  https://www.nmbvm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/BVM-Rules.pdf 

  (link current Dec 2022) The correct citation (correction to above citation) is: 16.25.9.21.B(1) 

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in New Mexico?

• • MINIMUM Age: three (3) months of age. (NMAC 7.4.2.8.A) 

  • MUST BE VACCINATED BY: Any dog or cat over the age of three months shall be vaccinated against rabies. [NM Stat § 77-1-3 (2016) & NMAC 7.4.2.8.A] 

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 New Mexico, 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?

• Any dog or cat brought into New Mexico from another state or country shall have a rabies vaccine administered within one week after entry into New Mexico, unless the owner has a rabies certificate issued by a veterinarian in another state or country and the vaccination conforms to New Mexico state requirements. [NM Stat § 77-1-5 (2016)]

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

• The State of New Mexico does allow veterinarians to use discretion in the selection and use of either a 1-Year or a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine. 

  NOTE: Following administration of the initial dose, regardless of the animal’s age, a single rabies booster is to be administered not later than one year later, regardless of the labeled duration of immunity (1-Year or 3-Year) of the vaccine used. [NMAC 7.4.2.8.A] 

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 State of New Mexico allows veterinarians to use discretion in administering a 1-Year or a 3-Year labeled vaccine when re-vaccinating an animal that is overdue. 

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • The booster interval for the next dose is determined by the product label on the last dose administered, 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?

• Exposure is defined as “a bite by an animal susceptible to rabies or from contact of the saliva of such animal with any break or abrasion of the skin.” [NMAC 7.4.2.7.H] 

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)

• New Mexico law does not directly address the management of “currently vaccinated” dogs, cats or ferrets that are exposed to rabies. 

  New Mexico law does state that any dog, cat or ferret (even though ferrets are not required to be vaccinated for rabies by law) that is bitten by a known rabid animal should be euthanized immediately, OR if the owner is unwilling, it should be vaccinated immediately and quarantined according to the recommendations of the most current version of the Compendium on Animal Rabies Prevention and Control ... at the owner’s expense and as directed by the animal control officer and approved by the district health officer. [NMAC 7.4.2.11] 

  The latest version of the Compendium on Animal Rabies Prevention and Control recommends currently vaccinated dogs, cats and ferrets that have been exposed (known or suspected) to rabies virus are to be immediately (within 96 hours of exposure) given a booster dose of rabies vaccine and are to be kept under the owner’s control and observed for 45 days. 

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):

    • New Mexico recognizes recommendations outlined in the latest version of the Rabies Compendium. [NMAC 7.4.2.11] , which states that dogs, cats or ferrets considered to have been exposed to a known or suspect rabid animal and have NEVER been vaccinated should be euthanized immediately. 

      If the owner is unwilling to euthanize, then the dog or cat should be placed in strict quarantine for 4 months, and ferrets for 6 months. The confinement is to be in an enclosure that precludes direct contact with people and other animals. A rabies vaccination should be given at the time of entry into quarantine. If there is a delay in the vaccinating of a dog or cat (more than 96 hours post exposure), then the quarantine period may be extended to 6 months. 

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

    • In accordance with recommendations outlined in the latest version of the Rabies Compendium, dogs and cats that are overdue but have documentation of a previous rabies vaccination sometime in their life, should receive a rabies booster vaccination immediately, and then be treated as if current on their rabies vaccination, i.e., kept under the owner’s control and observed for 45 days. 

      If administration of the rabies booster is delayed, local public health officials may consider increasing the observation period, taking into account other factors of the exposure (e.g. severity of exposure, length of delay in receiving a booster, current health, etc.). 

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

    • The Rabies Compendium also recommends that dogs or cats (not ferrets) that may have been previously vaccinated, but have no documentation to verify prior vaccination, may either be treated as:

      • never vaccinated (euthanized immediately or strict quarantine for 4-6 months), 

        or...

      • with the consent of the local public health official, may utilize Prospective Serological Monitoring (serological testing in accordance with a defined protocol) that may support previous vaccination. If “positive” (i.e., four-fold increase in the antibody titer following a single dose of rabies vaccine) the dog or cat may be allowed to be managed as currently vaccinated (home observation for 45 days). If “negative” (i.e., no evidence of an anamnestic response), then the dog or cat is treated as if never vaccinated. Non-vaccinated, exposed ferrets will be managed by local health officials on a case-by-case basis. 

Does New Mexico 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). 

  New Mexico does not distinguish between vaccinated and unvaccinated animals that bite a human. Management of the animal is the same. 

  Any bite by a dog, cat or ferret is to be reported immediately to the animal control officer or the field office of the public health division. [NMAC 7.4.2.9.A] 

  NOTE: Any dog, cat or ferret that bites or otherwise exposes a person to rabies shall be euthanized and tested for rabies. Alternatively, they animal may be permitted to be confined immediately for 10 days, at the owner’s expense, and at a place and manner designated by the animal control officer and approved by the field health office. If there are any signs of rabies in the 10-day confinement and observation period, the animal is to be euthanized and tested for rabies. [NMAC 7.4.2.9.B] 

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). 

  New Mexico does not distinguish between vaccinated and unvaccinated animals that bite a human. Management of the animal is the same. 

  Any bite by a dog, cat or ferret is to be reported immediately to the animal control officer or the field office of the public health division. [NMAC 7.4.2.9.A] 

  Any dog, cat or ferret that bites or otherwise exposes a person to rabies shall be euthanized and tested for rabies. Alternatively, they animal may be permitted to be confined immediately for 10 days, at the owner’s expense, and at a place and manner designated by the animal control officer and approved by the field health office. If there are any signs of rabies in the 10-day confinement and observation period, the animal is to be euthanized and tested for rabies. [NMAC 7.4.2.9.B] 

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?

• New Mexico law does not specifically restrict the administration of rabies vaccine to a hybrid dog or cat. However, because rabies vaccines are not currently licensed (tested) for use in hybrid species, the State of New Mexico does not recognize a currently vaccinated hybrid animal as “immunized”. 

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.