Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• Dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets. 

  Mandatory vaccination is NOT required of any feral animal or of any dog, cat or domesticated ferret that: 

  • is transported through New York and does not remain longer than 15 days, 

  • is confined to the premises of an incorporated society for the care of lost, stray or homeless animals,

  • is confined for research to the premises of a college or other educational or research facility,

  • is determined by a licensed veterinarian that a rabies vaccination would adversely affect the animal’s health.

• [PHL, Art 21, Title 4, § 2141.1] 

  NOTE: NONE of these requirements applies to the City of New York which has its own regulations. [PHL, Art 21, Title 4, § 2146] 

  NOTE: Each county health authority is required to develop and implement a rabies control protocol for the county. [PHL, Art 21, Title 4, § 2144] 

Who is legally authorized to administer a rabies vaccine?

• Rabies vaccine shall be administered by a duly licensed veterinarian or any person authorized by law to immunize under the supervision of a veterinarian. 

  [PHL, Art 21, Title 4, § 2141.1 & NY State Sanitary Code, Chapter 10, Part 2, Section 2.14(a)4] 

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

• In New York, a veterinarian shall provide the owner with a certificate of immunization. The law does not specifically address the amount of time a veterinarian is to retain a rabies certificate, but does state that a veterinarian shall provide the certificate to any public health official in any case involving a dog, cat or domestic ferret which may have been exposed to rabies, or a case of possible exposure of a person or other animal to rabies.

• The New York State Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Technology Practice Guidelines and Veterinary Practice Act requires all patient “Records should be maintained for at least three (3) years after the animal's last visit.” [Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Technology Practice, 5.14.A] 

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

• • MINIMUM Age: Assume 3 months of age is the minimum.  

    A minimum age is not specified in New York rabies law, but importation laws exempt all dogs and cats under 3 months of age. The 3-month minimum age is consistent with all labeling for USDA licensed rabies vaccines. [Agriculture and Markets Laws & Regulations, Chapter II, Part 65, § 65.3(c)] DOH law stipulates that a USDA approved vaccination be used. Currently that means animals >3 months of age.

  • MUST BE VACCINATED BY: 4 months of age. 

    The initial rabies vaccination shall be administered “no later than four months after birth” with a second vaccination administered within one year of the first. [PHL, Art 21, Title 4, § 2141.1] 

Following administration of the initial dose of rabies vaccine, when is an animal considered to be "currently vaccinated"?

• 14 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.

• [PHL, Art 21, Title 4, § 2140.1 & NY State Sanitary Code, Chapter 10, Part 2, Section 2.14(a)4] 

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 York, 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?

• New York importation law does not distinguish between importing from another state or from another country. 

  The law addresses only dogs and cats and requires a Health Certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian and issued within 30 days of entry. 

  Any dog or cat 3 months of age or older, shall be immunized against rabies within 12 months prior to entry into NY with a vaccine approve by the USDA. 

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

• Yes, at the discretion of the veterinarian. However, the duration of immunity of the vaccine used is based on the manufacturer’s label of the product used. 

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.
    
    [PHL, Art 21, Title 4, § 2140.1]

• When re-vaccinating the “overdue” patient, which vaccine must be used (1-Year or 3-Year labeled vaccine)?

  • The law clearly states: Terms of subsequent vaccine administration and duration of immunity must be in compliance with USDA licenses of vaccines used (e.g. if using a three year vaccine, a three year rabies certificate can be issued).  

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • The subsequent dose of rabies vaccine is due in accordance with the product label of the previous vaccine dose administered (1 year or 3 years). There is no need to start the vaccine series over. 

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?

• Bite Exposure: Any penetration by mouth to the skin of humans or animals. 

  Non-Bite Exposure: Any scratch, abrasion, open wound, or contamination of mucous membranes with saliva or other potentially infectious material from a rabid animal. 

  [NY State Sanitary Code, Chapter 10, Part 2, Section 2.14(a)2] 

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

• In New York, the determination of “exposure” is made by officials from the local health department in conjunction with the examining veterinarian. 

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

• An animal that is currently vaccinated at the time of exposure to rabies may remain under the owner’s control, provided a booster vaccination is given within 5 days of the date of exposure. [NY State Sanitary Code, Chapter 10, Part 2, Section 2.14(g)] 

  In New York, there is no designated time (eg, number of days) that the animal must remain under the owner’s control? 

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):

    • A non-vaccinated animal that has been exposed (or potentially exposed) to rabies shall be euthanized and tested for rabies. 

      Alternatively, (if the pet owner declines euthanasia) the animal shall be isolated for 6 months at either a veterinary hospital approved by the local health authority, or in a locked enclosure that is approved by the local health authority that will prevent escape and not have contact with another animal or human (except for necessary contact with the person responsible for the animal’s care). These provisions must be verified by the county health authority, during and at the end of the 6 month period. 

      [PHL, Art 21, Title 4, § 2140.8 & NY State Sanitary Code, Chapter 10, Part 2, Section 2.14(g)] 

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

    • Even if overdue for a booster dose by 1 day, the State of New York considers that animal to be “not actively vaccinated” and therefore is subject to isolation for 6 months, as outlined above. 

      [PHL, Art 21, Title 4, § 2140.8 & NY State Sanitary Code, Chapter 10, Part 2, Section 2.14(g)] 

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

    • Even if overdue for a booster dose by 1 day, the State of New York considers that animal to be “not actively vaccinated” and therefore is subject to isolation for 6 months, as outlined above. 

      [PHL, Art 21, Title 4, § 2140.8 & NY State Sanitary Code, Chapter 10, Part 2, Section 2.14(g)] 

Does New York 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)

• Whether vaccinated or not, any dog, cat, or ferret that bites a person (or in any way exposes a human to possible rabies), but is apparently healthy and not exhibiting signs of rabies, may be confined for 10 days, at the direction of the local health authority, and at the expense of the animal’s owner. The local health authority may determine the place of confinement, including with the owner or at a veterinarian’s office, animal shelter, kennel or farm. 

  It is recommended NOT TO VACCINATE the animal until the end of the 10-day confinement period. 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. 

  Should the confined animal develop any signs of rabies during the 10 day confinement, it shall be euthanized and sent for rabies testing. With the owner’s consent, or if the owner cannot be determined and confinement is not desirable, the local health authority may direct the animal to be euthanized and tested for rabies. 

  [PHL, Art 21, Title 4, § 2140.7 & NY State Sanitary Code, Chapter 10, Part 2, Section 2.14(f)] 

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

  [NY State Sanitary Code, Chapter 10, Part 2, Section 2.14(f)]

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

• Whether vaccinated or not, any dog, cat, or ferret that bites a person (or in any way exposes a human to possible rabies), but is apparently healthy and not exhibiting signs of rabies, may be confined for 10 days, at the direction of the local health authority, and at the expense of the animal’s owner. The local health authority may determine the place of confinement, including with the owner or at a veterinarian’s office, animal shelter, kennel or farm. 

  It is recommended NOT TO VACCINATE the animal until the end of the 10-day confinement period. 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. 

  Should the confined animal develop any signs of rabies during the 10 day confinement, it shall be euthanized and sent for rabies testing. With the owner’s consent, or if the owner cannot be determined and confinement is not desirable, the local health authority may direct the animal to be euthanized and tested for rabies. 

  [PHL, Art 21, Title 4, § 2140.7 & NY State Sanitary Code, Chapter 10, Part 2, Section 2.14(f)] 

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

  [NY State Sanitary Code, Chapter 10, Part 2, Section 2.14(f)] 

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)

• Yes. 

  A New York licensed veterinarian who determines that the health of a dog, cat or domesticated ferret would be adversely affected by a rabies immunization, shall provide the owner with a certified statement to that effect which verifies the nature and duration of such an exemption. The certified statement is to be with a form prescribed by the commissioner. The exemption is to be renewed annually. 

  [PHL, Art 21, Title 4, § 2141.3(b)] 

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 New York considers an animal to be actively vaccinated if it is given a rabies vaccine suitable to the species as per USDA label. Because there is no USDA rabies vaccine specifically licensed for administration to hybrid species, the State does not recognize hybrids as being immunized even if vaccinated. 

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.