Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• Domestic dogs, cats, ferrets and wolf hybrids. [Vermont Statutes Annotated (V.S.A.) at 20 V.S.A. § 3581a and Code of Vermont Rules “CVR” 20-022-018.2.d] 

Who is legally authorized to administer a rabies vaccine?

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

  A veterinarian must first examine the animal and authorize its immediate vaccination, and must be on the premises at the time the animal is vaccinated. The person giving the vaccination must be employed/working at the same veterinary practice as the supervising veterinarian. [CVR 20-022-018.2.b(1)] 

  For feral cats (i.e. cats living in a building other than the person’s home), the rabies vaccination does not need to be given by a licensed veterinarian. [20 V.S.A. § 3581a (d) and CVR 20-022-018.2.b(2)] 

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

• Veterinarians are required to retain records created for any animal for no less than 7 years from the date of last contact regarding the animal. [CVR 04-030-320 3.13(b)]. 

  For authorized rabies vaccination clinics, copies of the vaccination certificate shall be given to the municipal clerk of the municipality where the vaccination is administered. The clerk shall maintain the records for a minimum of 3 years, or allow a veterinarian to maintain the records under the clerk’s supervision. [CVR 20-022-018.3.b(2)] 

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in Vermont?

• • MINIMUM Age: 12 weeks (3 months) of age. 

    Rabies vaccinations are to be administered in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. [CVR 20-022-018.2.c(1)] Thus, the minimum age would be the minimum recommended by the manufacturer: 12 weeks (or 3 months) of age. 

    MUST BE VACCINATED BY: Domestic dogs and wolf hybrids 3-months of age and older must be vaccinated unless exempted. [ CVR 20-022-018.2.d]  

    Cats and ferrets over 4 months of age must be vaccinated. 

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 Vermont, 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?

• Importation laws for dogs, cats and ferrets only pertain to animals entering the state for sale, resale, exchange or donation. In that case, they must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by a veterinarian licensed in the state/country of origin. The CVI must certify that a dog, cat or ferret over 3 months of age has a current rabies vaccination or is a specific breed, for which a rabies vaccination is not age-appropriate (see the link below). [20 V.S.A. §3915(a)] 

  For pets accompanying people moving to Vermont to live or attend school or for vacation, a health certificate is not required. It is recommended that one consult with their veterinarian to ensure the animal is healthy and appropriately vaccinated. [Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets website, page on Health Certificates for companion animals entering Vermont: 
  https://agriculture.vermont.gov/animal-health/animal-health-regulations/movement-companion-animals

• With respect to dog licensing requirements, a dog may be brought into Vermont for 90 days or less without obtaining a Vermont license, BUT the dog must have a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian of any other state, that the dog has received a rabies vaccination that is current for the 90 days following entry into Vermont. [20 V.S.A. §3587] 

  Importing animals into Vermont from another country is regulated by the CDC and importers are directed to contact the CDC for information. 

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

• For the purposes of licensing a dog or wolf hybrid, the Vermont Statutes state that ALL rabies vaccinations, including the initial vaccination, be given with “a US Department of Agriculture-approved three-year rabies vaccine product.” However, the first booster must be given within 9-12 months after the initial rabies vaccination. All subsequent boosters shall be valid for 36 months. [20 V.S.A. §3581(e)] 

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?

  • Vermont Statutes state that for dogs and wolf hybrids the initial vaccination shall be valid for 12 months, within 12 months the animal must receive a booster and all subsequent vaccinations shall be valid for 36 months. [20 V.S.A. § 3581 (e)(2) and (3).]. 

    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)?

  • Vermont statutes require veterinarians to administer a 3-Year labeled rabies when administering a rabies booster to dogs and wolf-hybrids. Specific guidance for cats and ferrets is not provided. 

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • It should be assumed that the required interval between subsequent boosters is based on the labeled duration of immunity of the vaccine administered. 

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?

• Vermont law does not explicitly define “exposure”. However, the Vermont Department of Health “Reportable and Communicable Diseases Rule” [7CVR 13-140-007 7.2.1] states that “Any animal bitten or scratched by a wild animal not available for testing must be regarded as having been exposed to rabies.” 

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)

• Currently vaccinated dogs, cats and ferrets that are exposed to a rabid animal must be revaccinated immediately (within 96 hours of exposure) and kept under the owner’s control and observed for 45 days. [Vermont Department of Health “Reportable and Communicable Diseases Rule”. 

  (VDH CDR) 4-403.1.a][ CVR 13-140-007 7.2.2.] 

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 State of Vermont follows current recommendations of the 2016 Compendium on Animal Rabies Prevention & Control for unvaccinated animals: 

      An unvaccinated dog, cat or ferret that is exposed to a rabid animal may be euthanized or, if the owner declines euthanasia, the animal is to be re-vaccinated immediately (this usually means within 96 hours [4 days] of the bite incident) AND will be placed in strict isolation for 4 months at the owner’s expense. The animal will be re-vaccinated 1 month before release. Ferrets deemed to have been exposed to rabies must be isolated for a 6 month period. The location of the isolation is determined by local health authorities. [CVR 13-140-007 7.2.1.1] 

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

    • Animals with expired vaccinations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. [VDH CDR 4-403.1.a] [CVR 13-140-007 7.2.2]. The latest version of the Compendium on Animal Rabies Prevention & Control serves as guidance. 

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

    • Animals with expired vaccinations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. [VDH CDR 4-403.1.a] [CVR 13-140-007 7.2.2]. The latest version of the Compendium on Animal Rabies Prevention & Control serves as guidance. 

Does Vermont 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)

• 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). 

  [VDH CDR 4-403.1.a] [CVR 13-140-007 ] 

  Vermont Statutes also state that since there is not currently a species-specific rabies vaccine for wolf hybrids, “any wolf-hybrid which bites or otherwise exposes a human, pet, or domestic animal to rabies shall immediately be destroyed” and its head tested for rabies. [20 V.S.A.. §3807(c)] 

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). 

  [VDH CDR 4-403.1.a] [CVR 13-140-007 ] 

  Vermont Statutes also state that since there is not currently a species-specific rabies vaccine for wolf hybrids, “any wolf-hybrid which bites or otherwise exposes a human, pet, or domestic animal to rabies shall immediately be destroyed” and its head tested for rabies. [20 V.S.A.. §3807(c)] 

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. 

  NOTE: The Code of Vermont Rules states that dogs, cats, ferrets and wolf-hybrids must be vaccinated for rabies prior to 4 months of age “unless in the judgement of the veterinarian the animal’s medical condition would prevent the development of adequate immunity to rabies. Animals so exempted must be inoculated against rabies as soon as their medical condition permits.” [CVR 20-022-018.2.d] 

  Although ill animals may not have a full immunologic response to vaccination, there is no evidence to suggest that adverse events, including failure to immunize, are more likely to occur with rabies vaccination of ill than healthy animals. 

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 animal for which there are rabies regulations is the wolf-dog hybrid which, in Vermont, is required to be vaccinated with a USDA licensed canine rabies vaccine. Subsequent to vaccination, the wolf-dog hybrid should be licensed in the same way as dogs. [20 V.S.A.. §3581a (c)] 

  However, the Vermont Statutes also state that since there is not currently a species-specific rabies vaccine for wolf hybrids, “any wolf-hybrid which bites or otherwise exposes a human, pet, or domestic animal to rabies shall immediately be destroyed and its head tested for rabies.” [20 V.S.A.§3807(c)] 

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.