Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• Dogs, cats, and ferrets. 

  (Also, any animal in contact with the public [e.g., at exhibits, shows, etc.] when a licensed, unconditionally approved rabies vaccine is available) 

Who is legally authorized to administer a rabies vaccine?

• A licensed veterinarian or a person acting under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. 

  NOTE: “direct” supervision may be interpreted in law to mean that the licensed veterinarian must be physically present in the facility at the time an individual under their supervision administers a rabies vaccine. 

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

• In Rhode Island, rabies certificates are required to be maintained for 5 years following vaccination. 

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in Rhode Island?

• • MINIMUM Age: 12 weeks of age.

  • MUST BE VACCINATED BY: Rhode Island requires dogs, cats, ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies by 3 months of age or older. 

    NOTE: Lawful reasons for keeping an animal that isn’t “currently vaccinated” include, but are not limited to, animals that are too young to be legally vaccinated or animals that have been vaccinated but 30 days have not elapsed since the vaccination. 

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

• 30 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 Rhode Island, 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?

• • Health certificate showing any dog, cat, or ferret entering Rhode Island didn’t originate from an area under quarantine for rabies or exposed to rabies is required.

  • If the animal is 3 months of age or older, the health certificate must show the animal has been vaccinated against rabies.

  • If the animal is 6 months of age or older, it must have been vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to entry to Rhode Island 

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

• Yes. However, if a 3-Year product was used for the initial dose, only a one-year duration of immunity is conferred. The animal must be revaccinated within one year, even if the initial dose was labeled as a 3-Year vaccine. 

  For subsequent boosters, the vaccine label dictates the duration of immunity and, therefore, how long the rabies vaccine certificate is valid. 

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"?

  • In Rhode Island, specific legal guidance on this issue is not available. Today, the State Veterinarian has authority to review the individual case history and take into account the length of time the individual animal has been overdue, any existing medical issues that might compromise an individual animal’s ability to respond to a rabies booster, and (in particular) any history suggesting recent exposure to a rabid animal.

    NOTE: Most States follow the recommendations published in the latest version of the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control which stipulates an overdue animal is considered “immediately currently vaccinated” following re-vaccination. Rhode Island rabies control regulations do NOT define when, following re-vaccination, that an overdue animal is considered “currently vaccinated”. 

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

  • Veterinarians have discretion to use a 1-year or a 3-year rabies vaccine when re-vaccinating an overdue animal. 

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • However, the animal must be re-vaccinated within 1 year. 

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 determination of an animal (pet) “exposure” to the rabies virus is the responsibility of the Animal Control Officer and is established on an individual case basis. Generally, “exposure” to the rabies virus is considered to have occurred following a direct bite or scratch, which results in a break in the skin of the victim, or contact between infectious material (saliva, CNS tissue or fluid) and the eye, inside the nose or mouth, or a pre-existing break in the skin. 

  In Rhode Island, management of pets exposed to rabies may vary depending on whether the pet was exposed by wildlife or was exposed to a domestic animal. Another management variable is whether the animal is “currently vaccinated” or “previously vaccinated but overdue” or has “no proof of vaccination”. (see: The State of Rhode Island Manual for Rabies Management and Protocols, June 2016) 

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

• The determination of an animal (pet) “exposure” to the rabies virus is the responsibility of the Animal Control Officer and is established on an individual case basis. 

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

• NOTE: Veterinarians should consult the 2016 Rhode Island Rabies Control Manual for specific guidance in managing individual cases. 

  https://dem.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur861/files/programs/agriculture/documents/rabiesprot.pdf 

  • If rabies exposure in a dog, cat, or ferret is determined to be from a domestic animal:

    • The examining veterinarian should advise the owner of an animal that has been exposed to a known or suspected rabid animal to contact the local Animal Control Office (ACO). A representative from ACO will assess the circumstances surrounding the exposure, including the vaccination status of all animals involved, within 24 hours.

    • Vaccinate the animal ASAP (within 96 hours of exposure).

    • The ACO shall make an order concerning the consequences of the animal that has been exposed: either euthanasia, quarantine, strict confinement, or close observation based on the risk of rabies virus transmission: HIGH, MODERATE, or LOW. 

  • If rabies exposure in a dog, cat, or ferret is determined to be from a target species (this includes, but is not limited to, raccoons, foxes, skunks, bats, woodchucks) or a wild (non-domestic) animal: 

    NOTE: If a veterinarian is presented with a dog or cat injured in a fight with a possible target animal, he/she is required by law to report this incident to the ACO. Wounds of unknown origin or with the known origin being any mammal are required to be reported.

    • Notify animal control officer (ACO);

    • Administer a booster dose of rabies vaccine ASAP (within 96 hours of exposure); 

    • Expect the ACO to order close OBSERVATION (by the owner) for 45 days. However, the ACO has authority to make an order concerning the consequences of the animal that has been exposed: either euthanasia, quarantine, strict confinement, or close observation based on the risk of rabies virus transmission: HIGH, MODERATE, or LOW. 

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 veterinarian must contact ACO if exposure is from a “target species”.

    • A rabies booster must be administered ASAP (or within 96 hours if a HIGH likelihood of rabies transmission),

    • Disposition of the animal that has been attacked/exposed is determined by ACO after considering likelihood of rabies transmission (HIGH, MODERATE, LOW) and the health/vaccination status of the animal that attacked (if known). 

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

    • The veterinarian must contact ACO if exposure is from a “target species”. 

    • A rabies booster must be administered ASAP (within 96 hours of exposure). 

    • Disposition of the animal that has been attacked/exposed is determined by ACO after considering likelihood of rabies transmission (HIGH, MODERATE, LOW) and the health/vaccination status of the animal that attacked (if known). 

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

    • State Response Pending 

Does Rhode Island 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)

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

  If a healthy appearing, currently vaccinated dog, cat, or ferret bites a person, the local Animal Control Office (ACO) is to be notified immediately. The Animal Control Officer may either order euthanasia and subsequent testing or issue an order for quarantine or strict confinement for a 10-day period. 

  DO NOT VACCINATE the animal PRIOR to entering the 10-day confinement/quarantine period.  

  If the currently vaccinated dog, cat, or ferret does not appear to be healthy, HEALTH (Rhode Island Department of Health) will consult with the State Veterinarian and the Animal Control Officer. HEALTH will make the final determination regarding quarantine, confinement, and/or euthanasia & testing of the animal for rabies. 

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

•  

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

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

  If a healthy appearing, currently vaccinated dog, cat, or ferret bites a person, the local Animal Control Office (ACO) is to be notified immediately. The Animal Control Officer may either order euthanasia and subsequent testing or issue an order for quarantine or strict confinement for a 10-day period. 

  DO NOT VACCINATE the animal PRIOR to entering the 10-day confinement/quarantine period.  

  If the currently vaccinated dog, cat, or ferret does not appear to be healthy, HEALTH (Rhode Island Department of Health) will consult with the State Veterinarian and the Animal Control Officer. HEALTH will make the final determination regarding quarantine, confinement, and/or euthanasia & testing of the animal for rabies. 

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

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. If the owner of a dog, cat, or ferret wants a rabies vaccination variance, he/she must make a written request to the Rhode Island Rabies Control Board. The board meets at least once a year – more often if deemed necessary by the State Veterinarian. The State Board decides if the variance is warranted/justified. 

  The written request must be initiated by the pet owner, not the veterinarian. 

  The veterinarian does not have authority in Rhode Island to make a “point of care” decision regarding rabies vaccination exemption for medical reasons. This decision can only be made through the variance process by the Rabies Control Board. 

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?

• No. There is no licensed, unconditional rabies vaccine for such animals. Even if vaccinated, the hybrid animal would be considered unvaccinated if they were determined to have rabies exposure or in the event they bit a person.

  In Rhode Island, there is no legal basis for administering a rabies vaccine to a hybrid as “hybrid species” are not allowed to be owned as pets in Rhode Island. 

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.