Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• Dogs, cats, and ferrets [OAC Title 310:599-3-9.1] 

Who is legally authorized to administer a rabies vaccine?

• A veterinarian, or veterinary technician under the supervision of a veterinarian, may administer a rabies vaccination. The Vaccination Certificate is issued by the veterinarian that gives or supervises the vaccination. [OAC Title 310:599-3-9.1] and [OAC Title 775:10-7-9.1 (RVT duties performed without Direct Supervision, “vaccination” is listed)] 

  NOTE: Rabies vaccine may be sold OTC for administration by a person other than a veterinarian, provided the retailer posts an easily visualized notice from the Dept of Public Health (DPH) that any rabies vaccination not given by a licensed veterinarian will not be recognized in the application of Oklahoma state laws.  

  What follows is the text from the Oklahoma Administrative Code [Title 310:599-3-12: Consumer notification required for over–the-counter rabies vaccine sales] 

  “Each supplier or retailer of over-the-counter (OTC) animal rabies vaccine for administration by any person other than a licensed veterinarian shall post notification to the consumer that only the records of a licensed veterinarian will be acceptable documentation of a rabies vaccination in the application of requirements in OAC Chapter 310:599. The standard written notice shall be obtained from the Department and posted directly over, or near the retail location of the OTC rabies vaccine in a manner that the text of the notice is easily visualized by consumers.” 

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

• A minimum of 3 years [OAC Title 310:599-3-8; also OAC Title 775:25-1-2. (Patient records)] 

  The veterinarian who administers or supervises the rabies vaccination shall also issue the owner a vaccination certificate. [OAC Title 310:599-3-9.1] 

  It is recommended that owners keep a copy of the last two rabies vaccination certificates, though they must be verified by an official record or the veterinarian to be recognized. [PH Fact Sheet: Animal Rabies Vaccine FAQ – Dec 2012] 

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in Oklahoma?

• • MINIMUM Age: 12 weeks (in accordance with ALL rabies vaccines currently licensed for dogs, cats, and ferrets in the US). 

    In Oklahoma, vaccines must be given according to the label (ie, not younger than the labeled minimum age).

  • MUST BE VACCINATED BY: Four (4) months of age with a vaccine that is approved for use in that species, or...“as prescribed by ordinances or rules adopted by a municipality within whose jurisdiction the animal owner resides.” [OAC Title 310:599-3-9.1] 

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. 

  [Public Health Fact Sheet: Animal Rabies Vaccine FAQ – Dec 2012] 

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 Oklahoma, 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?

• “CVI (Certificate of Veterinary Inspection) must be issued within 30 days of entry and Rabies vaccination (vaccine used/vaccination date on CVI). 

  Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets – 3 months and older must have a Rabies vaccination within 12 months prior to entry. 3-Year rabies vaccines will be recognized if primary vaccination and subsequent boosters are documented on CVI” 

  [Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry: Health Requirements Governing the Admission of Animals 

  https://ag.ok.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2022_Animal_Import_Requirements.pdf  

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

• Yes. But if a 3-year vaccine is given as the initial vaccination, it is current for only one year. Subsequent boosters with a 3-year vaccine are recognized for 3 years by the state.   

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.  

    [Public Health Fact Sheet: Animal Rabies Vaccine FAQ – Dec 2012] 

• 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)?

  • Neither the Vaccine Type (1-Year vs. 3-Year) nor the Vaccination Interval are specifically referenced in Oklahoma rabies regulations/statutes regarding re-vaccination of animals that are overdue for a booster. It is therefore assumed that veterinarians have discretion to use either a 1-Year or a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine. 

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • It should be assumed that the recognized duration of protection following re-vaccination 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?

• In the Oklahoma Administrative Code, “exposure to rabies” is defined as: “a bite or physical contact with the saliva or other potentially infectious tissues from an animal confirmed or suspected of being infected with rabies.” [OAC Title 310:599-1-2 (Definitions)] 

  The Oklahoma State Department of Health, Acute Disease Service “Public Health Fact Sheet: Rabies” (also found on the internet on the OK Dept of Health, Rabies home page) gives this list of things which are NOT considered exposure to rabies: 

  “being scratched by the animal, contact with blood, urine, feces, dried saliva, petting or touching the hair of a rabid animal, touching water bowls, lead ropes, gates, trailers, or other surfaces which the rabid animal had contact.” 

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)

• The dog/cat/ferret “shall be re-vaccinated within three (3) days of notification and isolated, by leashing or confinement under the owner's supervision, for a period of at least forty-five (45) days.” [OAC Title 310:599-3-5] 

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):

    • The dog/cat/ferret shall either be immediately euthanized or placed in quarantine for 6 months. 

      Under the current OSDH policies & procedures for a 6-month quarantine, only the first 3 months are required to be conducted as a strict veterinary quarantine because >99% of dogs, cats, and ferrets will develop signs and symptoms of rabies within a 12-week period.  

      Provided the animal has completed the 3-dose post-exposure vaccination series AND the owner has suitable capability to ensure proper confinement at home, home quarantine for the final 3 months followed by a veterinary exam is generally permitted. 

      The 3-dose post-exposure vaccination series:  

      When applicable under State regulations: “the (exposed) animal shall be immediately vaccinated and given a booster on the third and eighth week of quarantine. Animals less than 16 weeks of age at entry into quarantine may be required to receive a booster in addition to the above protocol. [OAC Title 310:599-3-6] 

      “Quarantine” is defined as: “physical confinement of an animal during a specified time when the animal is monitored for the development of disease. During this time, the animal is prevented from having contact with other animals, and human contact is limited to as few caretakers as possible.” [OAC Title 310:599-1-2 (Definitions)] 

  • 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 Oklahoma 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. 

What action is required if an animal that is "currently vaccinated" bites a person? (see also FAQ #6)

• NOTE:  The requirements outlined below are the same whether the biting animal is currently vaccinated or is not vaccinated. See FAQ #18.  

  If currently vaccinated and not inflicting a severe injury (severe injury defined as: “any physical injury that results in broken bones or lacerations requiring multiple sutures or cosmetic surgery”) the animal shall be placed in a home quarantine for 10 days from the time of the bite. At the conclusion of home quarantine, a certificate of health after examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required. [OAC Title 310:599-3-1] 

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

  “Home Quarantine” is defined as: “confinement and observation of an animal allowed at the animal owner's property for a specified time period, where one of the following acceptable methods of confinement for a dog are used: (a) complete indoor housing, (b) caging or kenneling in an enclosure with a securely latched door, or (c) yard confinement with perimeter fencing that the dog is unable to climb over or dig under.  

  Acceptable methods of confinement for a cat or ferret are: (a) complete indoor housing, or (b) caging in an enclosure that prevents escape. The animal's needs for ambient temperature control, water, nutrition, elimination, and space to comfortably stand up and lie down must be adequately provided by the selected confinement method. Should the animal exhibit neurologic signs, die, or disappear during the specified period, an Oklahoma licensed veterinarian and the Department shall be immediately notified.” [OAC Title 310:599-1-2 (Definitions)] 

  Service dogs for the blind or hearing-impaired, search and rescue dogs or other animals used for police enforcement shall be exempt from quarantine if record of rabies immunization is presented. [OAC Title 310:599-3-1] 

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

• NOTE:  The requirements outlined below are the same whether the biting animal is currently vaccinated or is not vaccinated. See FAQ #18.  

  If currently vaccinated and not inflicting a severe injury (severe injury defined as: “any physical injury that results in broken bones or lacerations requiring multiple sutures or cosmetic surgery”) the animal shall be placed in a home quarantine for 10 days from the time of the bite. At the conclusion of home quarantine, a certificate of health after examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required. [OAC Title 310:599-3-1] 

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

  “Home Quarantine” is defined as: “confinement and observation of an animal allowed at the animal owner's property for a specified time period, where one of the following acceptable methods of confinement for a dog are used: (a) complete indoor housing, (b) caging or kenneling in an enclosure with a securely latched door, or (c) yard confinement with perimeter fencing that the dog is unable to climb over or dig under.  

  Acceptable methods of confinement for a cat or ferret are: (a) complete indoor housing, or (b) caging in an enclosure that prevents escape. The animal's needs for ambient temperature control, water, nutrition, elimination, and space to comfortably stand up and lie down must be adequately provided by the selected confinement method. Should the animal exhibit neurologic signs, die, or disappear during the specified period, an Oklahoma licensed veterinarian and the Department shall be immediately notified.” [OAC Title 310:599-1-2 (Definitions)] 

  Service dogs for the blind or hearing-impaired, search and rescue dogs or other animals used for police enforcement shall be exempt from quarantine if record of rabies immunization is presented. [OAC Title 310:599-3-1] 

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)

• The licensed veterinarian does NOT have exemption authority; however, Oklahoma does have a policy stating that the veterinarian may request an exemption from the State Public Health Veterinarian on an individual case basis. Typically, exemption requests are not approved unless there is documentation of a prior life-threatening adverse reaction to a rabies vaccination. Chronic renal failure, congestive heart failure, etc. does not qualify. 

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 only hybrid species mentioned is a wolf-dog hybrid. In that case, they may be vaccinated with a rabies vaccine approved for dogs, BUT the wolf-dog is still considered a wild animal if involved in the bite of a human. [OAC Title 310:599-3-9]

  For animals other than a dog, cat or ferret (e.g. a wolf-dog hybrid) that bite a human, the decision on whether to euthanize or quarantine is determined by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Elements involved in the decision include (but not limited to) the risk of rabies in the species, possible prior exposure to rabies, behavior of the animal at the time of the bite, and prior rabies vaccination. An animal determined to be at high risk for the transmission of rabies will be euthanized and tested. An animal at low risk of transmission may be quarantined for 30 days. [OAC Title 310:599-3-4] 

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.