Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• The State of Tennessee requires that dogs and cats “over the age of 6 months be currently vaccinated against rabies”. There is no State requirement for immunization of ferrets against rabies...but, the law states that veterinarians may administer rabies vaccine “off-label” to other domestic species as well.

  • The state doesn’t necessarily encourage the off-label use of vaccines. The 2021 Tennessee Rabies Control Manual only says that veterinarians may choose to do this using their professional judgment. 

    TN Rabies Control Manual

  • The law (Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-8-103) states that “Ferrets, certain livestock, hybrid animals and other animals may be vaccinated for rabies if a vaccine is legally available for that species.”

Who is legally authorized to administer a rabies vaccine?

• All rabies vaccinations of dogs and cats as required by this chapter (Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-8-103) shall be administered only by or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. 

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

• Licensed veterinarians are granted the authority to administer rabies vaccines and to issue a signed rabies vaccination certificate. Although the State of Tennessee does require veterinarians to maintain a copy of each certificate issued by the practice, the duration of time to maintain the copy is not stipulated. 

  Although the State of Tennessee does not specify the length of time rabies vaccination certificates must be maintained, it is recommended that a written or electronic copy of all rabies certificates issued be kept for at least 3 years, or at least as long as the certificate expiration date. 

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in Tennessee?

• • MINIMUM Age: 12 weeks of age. 

    In TN, the minimum age is determined by the vaccine label. Throughout the US today, 12 weeks is the minimum LABEL age for all USDA licensed rabies vaccines.

  • MUST BE VACCINATED BY: 6 months of age. 

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 Tennessee, 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?

• State Validation Pending 

  There is nothing in the TN rabies law specifically pertaining to this. TN Department of Agriculture rules state that dogs and cats at least 6 months of age must be currently vaccinated against rabies and be accompanied by a health certificate. 

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

• The State of Tennessee does not stipulate a requirement. Therefore, it is appropriate to assume that a licensed the veterinarian does have the discretion to administer a 1-year product or a 3-year product.  

  HOWEVER, regardless of the product used, a dog or cat must receive a single booster dose within 1 year of the initial dose to be considered “currently vaccinated”. 

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 1 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)?

  • In Tennessee, a veterinarian has the discretion to use a 1-year or a 3-Year rabies vaccine when administering booster doses to any dog/cat that is overdue. 

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • There is no specific requirement stipulated by TN law—the interval is based on product label  

    NOTE: local jurisdictions (cities/counties) within Tennessee may impose requirements that are more stringent than the product label indicates (eg, annual vaccination with a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine). 

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 TN Rabies Manual does not specifically distinguish rabies exposure in humans from exposure in other animals because there is no difference: for all practical purposes there must be a bite, but mucous membrane or open wound contacting fresh saliva or nervous tissue are potential routes of exposure. 

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)

• If a currently vaccinated domestic animal is exposed to a confirmed or suspected rabid animal, that animal should receive a booster vaccine as soon as possible (generally, this is interpreted to mean within 96 hours of exposure) and be observed by the owner for 45 days. If the animal becomes ill during the period, the owner should have the animal examined by a veterinarian. 

  NOTE: the Tennessee Rabies Control Manual emphasizes that, following the INITIAL rabies dose, a dog or cat is not considered “currently vaccinated” unless the vaccine was administered at least 28 days previously. 

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 an unvaccinated domestic animal is exposed to a confirmed or suspected rabid animal, two options are available:

      • Immediate euthanasia, alternatively (if the owner decline euthanasia)....

      • ...a dog or cat will be strictly isolated for 4 months (assume this to be in a designated facility and at the owners personal expense). Ferrets and other animals will be placed in strict isolation for 6 months. During the isolation period, the animal must not have any contact with humans or other animals.
        
        Rabies vaccine may be administered at the time of admission or at least 28 days prior to release. 

        NOTE: local public health officials appear to have authority in designating which course of action is to be taken. This is particularly true in the event “other domestic species” (not currently vaccinated) are exposed to rabies. 

        NOTE: There is no need to test an animal that was euthanized solely due to recent rabies exposure. 

  • 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 Tennessee recognize the results of Prospective Serologic Monitoring (PSM) as valid documentation that a dog/cat has been previously vaccinated against rabies?

• 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). 

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. 

  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). 

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 this time, Tennessee has no legal provision that allows veterinarians to exempt, or waiver, the rabies vaccination requirement for a domestic dog or cat.

  • A veterinarian must use his/her professional judgment in deciding whether to vaccinate an animal; the veterinarian is not obligated to administer a dose of rabies vaccine.

  • The State advises veterinarians to try all available methods to safely vaccinate the animal (different brands of vaccine, premedication, etc.)

  • For clientele who refuse to have a pet vaccinated against rabies, the State recommends that the examining veterinarian inform and document the fact that the client/owner understands the potential consequences of not vaccinating an animal (i.e. if the pet is exposed to rabies or a rabies reservoir species it must be either euthanized or strictly isolated for 4 to 6 months, at the owner’s expense). 

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 Tennessee does allow veterinarians to use discretion in the decision to administer rabies vaccine “off-label” to domestic animals other than dogs and cats.

  • TN defines a hybrid as an animal with documented heritage of at least 25% wild animal.

  • If an owner does not produce documentation, the animal is considered domestic; for practical purposes, this means that hybrids are usually treated as domestics. 

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.