Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• There is no State law requiring pets, in general, to be vaccinated against rabies. However, the South Dakota Department of Health recommends vaccinating all dogs, cats and ferrets against rabies. 

  Rabies vaccination is required under certain circumstances:

  • All dogs or cats to be exhibited at the South Dakota State Fair must be accompanied by a health certificate signed by a licensed, accredited veterinarian within 30 days before entry. The health certificate shall indicate the date of vaccination for rabies. Dogs must also be vaccinated for distemper and parvovirus, and cats must be vaccinated also for “feline distemper” (sic). [South Dakota Administrative Rules “SDAR” 12:02:10:03]

  • Any cat or dog over 3 months of age that is imported into South Dakota must have certification of a current rabies vaccination. See Q7 [SDAR 12:68:06:09]

• NOTE: When a State-level requirement for rabies vaccination is not in effect it is the veterinarian’s responsibility to know whether or not local jurisdictions (i.e., either city or county) have rabies vaccination requirements in place. Even if rabies vaccination is NOT required at the State or local level, vaccination of all dogs/cats is strongly recommended. 

Who is legally authorized to administer a rabies vaccine?

• Because there is no State law requiring rabies vaccination, this is not specifically addressed. However, the law requiring animals exhibited at the South Dakota State Fair to be vaccinated against rabies specifies that the health certificate which gives the date of vaccination is to be signed by a licensed, accredited veterinarian.[SDAR 12:02:10:03] 

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

• Not specifically addressed in South Dakota. However, most State Veterinary Medical Board recommend that veterinarians maintain documentation of rabies vaccination for period of not less than 3 years following administration of the last dose. 

  Electronic records are acceptable in most States today. 

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in South Dakota?

• • MINIMUM Age: 12 weeks of age, in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendation.

  • MUST BE VACCINATED BY: At the State level, South Dakota does not specifically designate an age by which a pet dog/cat/ferret must be vaccinated. Local municipalities may have ordinances that specify an age by which animals must be vaccinated. 

    South Dakota does require that all dogs and cats over 3 months of age that are imported into the State shall have certification of a current rabies vaccination. [SDAR 12:68:06:09] 

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 South Dakota, 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?

• All cats and dogs over three months of age, imported into South Dakota, shall be accompanied by certification of a current rabies vaccination. “If a dog or cat is imported from an area that is quarantined for rabies, a certifying statement is required from an accredited veterinarian that the dog or cat has not been exposed to rabies. No person may import any dog or cat less than three months of age from an area under quarantine for rabies.” [SDAR 12:68:06:09(1)] 

  A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) is NOT required for importation into South Dakota UNLESS: 

  • the animal originates from an area quarantined for rabies;

  • the animal originates from a foreign country;

  • the animal is to remain in the state for 30 days or more;

  • a resident of SD travels outside SD with the pet and returns more than 30 days later;

  • the State Veterinarian determines that it is necessary based on disease information. [SDAR 12:68:06:09(2)] 

• It is lawful to bring a dog or cat into South Dakota from a bordering state for the purpose of obtaining any vaccination or other health care from a licensed veterinarian. [SDAR 12:68:06:09 (3)] 

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

• South Dakota does allow selection of a 1-Year or a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine at the discretion of the veterinarian. 

  NOTE: administration of a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine as the INITIAL dose should be followed by a booster dose within 1 year. Local statutes/ordinances apply. 

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)?

  • South Dakota allows veterinarians discretion in administering either a 1-Year or a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine when revaccinating an overdue dog/cat. 

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • Subsequent doses of vaccine should be recommended at an interval consistent with the product label on the last dose of rabies vaccine 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?

• In South Dakota, rabies exposure is determined on a case-by-case basis. The laws governing exposure of a human to a potentially rabid animal describes the contact as “attacked or bitten a person”. [South Dakota Codified Laws “SDCL” 40-12-5] The laws addressing the exposure of a dog or cat to a potential rabid animal describes the contact simply as “having been bitten”. [SDCL 40-12-6] 

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

• Determining whether or not an animal has been ‘exposed’ to rabies involves input from all parties involved: the owner, the attending veterinarian(s), as well as local authorities in consultation with the Animal Industry Board and the Department of Health. Local health authorities make the final determination on exposure. 

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

• If a cat or dog that has been “properly treated with an antirabic vaccine” (i.e., is currently vaccinated) is bitten by a rabid or potentially rabid animal, the South Dakota Department of Health may serve the owner with a written notice requiring the animal to be confined for “a period of not less than three (3) months.” [SDCL 40-12-6] 

  The specific location for confinement is determined by the local health authorities. 

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):

    • If a dog or cat that has not been vaccinated against rabies OR is overdue for rabies vaccine is bitten by a rabid or potentially rabid animal, the South Dakota Department of Health may serve the owner with a written notice requiring the animal to be confined for a period of not less than six months. [SDCL 40-12-6] 

      The specific location of the confinement is determined by the local health authorities. 

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

    • If a dog or cat that has not been vaccinated against rabies OR is overdue for rabies vaccine is bitten by a rabid or potentially rabid animal, the South Dakota Department of Health may serve the owner with a written notice requiring the animal to be confined for a period of not less than six months. [SDCL 40-12-6] 

      The specific location of the confinement is determined by the local health authorities. 

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

    • State Response Pending

Does South Dakota 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)

• Vaccination status is not a factor.  

  The South Dakota Department of Health may serve written notice to the owner of any dog or cat that has “attacked or bitten” a person to confine the animal for at least 10 days after the attack or bite.  

  The confinement may be on the owner’s premises or at a city pound or other place designated by the South Dakota Department of Health. All costs are the responsibility of the owner of the dog or cat. The Department of Health may examine the animal at any point during the 10 day confinement to check for signs of rabies. [SDCL 40-12-5] 

  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. 

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

• Vaccination status is not a factor.  

  The South Dakota Department of Health may serve written notice to the owner of any dog or cat that has “attacked or bitten” a person to confine the animal for at least 10 days after the attack or bite.  

  The confinement may be on the owner’s premises or at a city pound or other place designated by the South Dakota Department of Health. All costs are the responsibility of the owner of the dog or cat. The Department of Health may examine the animal at any point during the 10-day confinement to check for signs of rabies. [SDCL 40-12-5] 

  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. 

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)

• Although there is no legal requirement to vaccinate dogs or cats (or any domestic animal) against rabies at the State level in South Dakota, local municipalities have the authority to grant exemptions. 

  Veterinarians should assume that AGE is not justification for exemption from rabies vaccination. It is recommended that all dogs and cats be vaccinated at the appropriate interval throughout their life. 

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. 

  The South Dakota Department of Health recommends vaccinating all dogs, cats and ferrets against rabies. They should be re-vaccinated at the appropriate intervals throughout life.  

Is rabies vaccination of a hybrid or exotic pet allowed or recognized?

• The State of South Dakota does not prohibit veterinarians from administering rabies vaccine to hybrid species. However, in the event a vaccinated hybrid is determined to be exposed to rabies, the animal would not be considered immunized. Local health authorities would make the final determination on the disposition of an exposed hybrid. (Immediate euthanasia may be required despite vaccination status). 

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.