Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• Rabies vaccination of dogs/cats/ferrets is NOT required by State law in Wyoming.  

  However, individual counties within Wyoming do have the responsibility of rabies management and therefore may impose local rabies vaccination requirements. 

  Wyoming Statutes give the county commissioners the authority to “establish a rabies control district”. WSA 11-31-213 

  NOTE 1: Wyoming created an “Animal Damage Management Board” (ADMB) to give some state-wide recommendations for the management of rabies, including vaccination protocol and post-exposure procedures and quarantines. However, the ADMB still allows the counties “to determine how vaccinations, post-exposure procedures and how law enforcement for rabies management may proceed within the created district.” 

  See: http://www.wyorabies.org/Management%20II.htm 

  NOTE 2: Wyoming Administrative Rules for the State Veterinarian provide regulations for “Rabies Prevention and Post Exposure Management”. Counties may enact their own rules, regulations and ordinances “if they are consistent with” the State Rules. 

  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?

• Authorization to administer rabies vaccine is not specified in Wyoming State law. 

  However, Wyoming Statutes (Title 11 Chapter 31-212-213) do state that in an established rabies control district, the county commissioner “may” require vaccination of all dogs and cats “by a licensed veterinarian”. 

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

• In general, the Wyoming Veterinary Practice Act requires veterinarians to maintain patient records for a minimum of 3 years after the last visit. [Chapter 9.3(d)iii] 

  The state of Wyoming authorizes the board of county commissioners to adopt rules and regulations for rabies immunization, which, presumably, includes directives for maintaining a copy of the signed rabies certificate. [WSA 11-31-214] 

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in Wyoming?

• Note: Wyoming Administrative Rules for the State Veterinarian states that a “vaccinated animal” is one vaccinated with a rabies vaccine that is “approved by the Wyoming State Veterinarian prior to use.” [WAR: State Veterinarian: Chapter 1.4(xiv)] 

  The state veterinarian approves the use and distribution of rabies vaccines in Wyoming and they are to be used according to label directions.

  • MINIMUM Age: 12 weeks of age is recommended and is consistent with manufacturer's labeling of all licensed rabies vaccines.  

    A specific age is not addressed in Wyoming state laws. The board of county commissioners has the mandate to determine local rules and regulations for rabies vaccination. It is recommended that the minimum age specified on the vaccine label (i.e., 12 weeks of age for dogs and cats) be adhered to.

  • MUST BE VACCINATED BY: In Wyoming, the board of county commissioners “may” require the rabies vaccination of all dogs and cats in a rabies control district by “three (3) months of age or older”. [WSA 11-31-213] 

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.  

  The Wyoming Administrative Rules (Dept of Agriculture: Livestock Board: State Veterinarian) defines a “vaccinated animal” as 28 days after the initial dose and not more than 365 days. [WAR: Wyoming State Veterinarian’s Rabies Prevention and Exposure Rules: Chapter 1.4.a(xiv)] 

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 Wyoming, 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?

• Wyoming Administrative Rules (Livestock Board: Chapt 8: Livestock Board Import Rues) states that any dog, cat or ferret imported into Wyoming shall be accompanied with an ICVI (Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection) and “a current rabies vaccination certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian.” [WAR: Import Rules: Chapt 8:16(a)] perhaps not specifically stated, but intended to be “vaccinated as per label directions”.

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

• Although not specifically addressed in Wyoming State law, it can be assumed that a licensed veterinarian does have discretion to administer either a 1-Year or a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine to dogs and cats. 

  However, if a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine is administered as the initial rabies vaccine dose, the animal must be re-vaccinated not later than 1 year following the initial dose. 

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)?

  • Not specifically addressed in Wyoming law. However, in jurisdictions where rabies vaccination is required, it can be assumed that a veterinarian has discretion to administer a 1-Year or a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine. 

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • Not specifically addressed in Wyoming law. 

    However, in jurisdictions where rabies vaccination is required, the next dose is due at a time determined by the product label (i.e., either 1 year or 3 years) of the rabies 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?

• The Wyoming Animal Damage Management Board (ADMB), on it’s website Q&A page states that, “Any animal bitten or scratched by either a wild, carnivorous mammal or a bat that is not available for testing should be regarded as having been exposed to rabies.”  

  (http://wyorabies.org/About%20and%20FAQS.htm#Pets ) 

  Wyoming Administrative Rules for the State Veterinarian defines exposure as “contact where there is potential for rabies transmission.” It further defines transmission as “when saliva or nervous tissue is introduced into bite wounds, open cuts in skin, or into mucous membranes.” [WAR: State Veterinarian: Chapter 1.4(v)]

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)

• Rabies management and control in Wyoming is addressed at the county level. 

  The Wyoming Administrative Rules for the State Veterinarian states that a vaccinated animal that is exposed to rabies shall be revaccinated within 48 hours by a licensed veterinarian, and a “quarantine shall be issued by the Wyoming State Veterinarian or his or her authorized representative requiring the animal be kept under the owner’s immediate control and observed for forty-five (45) days.” [WAR: State Veterinarian: Chapter 1.6(a)]  

  http://wyorabies.org/About%20and%20FAQS.htm#Pets 

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):

    • Rabies management and control in Wyoming is addressed at the county level. 

      The Wyoming Administrative Rules for the State Veterinarian states that a previously unvaccinated dog, cat or ferret that is exposed to rabies “shall be euthanized immediately” by a licensed veterinarian and the brain tested for rabies. If the owner is unwilling, the animal “shall be quarantined and placed in isolation for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days.” One month prior to release the animal is to be vaccinated for rabies. [WAR: State Veterinarian, Chapter 1.6(b)] 

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

    • Rabies management and control in Wyoming is addressed at the county level. 

      The Wyoming Administrative Rules for the State Veterinarian states that in the case of a previously vaccinated animal with an expired rabies vaccination certificate that has been exposed to rabies, the State Veterinarian shall evaluate the situation and take appropriate action, which may include, but is not limited to: quarantine, isolation, rabies vaccination or euthanasia by a licensed veterinarian. [WAR: State Veterinarian, Chapter 1.6(c)] 

      Valid documentation of prior vaccination is important and is taken into consideration when making management decisions on individual cases. 

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

    • If valid documentation is NOT available, but there is reason to believe the animal has been previously vaccinated, Prospective Serological Monitoring (PSM) of the exposed dog/cat may be an option and could lead to a significantly shorter confinement period. PSM, however, is not to be conducted at the discretion of the examining veterinarian. PSM is at the discretion of the state veterinarian and the State Public Health Veterinarian and would be conducted on a case-by-case basis depending on level and conditions of exposure. 

Does Wyoming 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)

• Disposition of animals that are known to have bitten a person is determined at the level of local jurisdictions. The Board of County Commissioners establishes rules and regulations for rabies within a designated rabies control district. 

  The Wyoming Administrative Rules for the State Veterinarian states that a vaccinated animal that bites or otherwise possibly exposes a human to rabies shall be quarantined for a minimum of 10 days, during which the animal shall NOT be vaccinated for rabies. [WAR: State Veterinarian: Chapter 1.7(a)] 

  Also, the Wyoming Statutes, address dogs or cats “running at large”, where they state that the dog or cat that bites a human “may” be impounded by the county sheriff or animal control officer and held in quarantine for “at least ten (10) days or as long as necessary to determine ... whether the animal has any disease which may be communicable to humans.” 

  IF (the animal is determined to be currently) VACCINATED “home quarantine may be allowed as determined by the animal control officer or the county sheriff if the animal’s owner presents a valid rabies vaccination certificate.” [WSA 11-31-301(e)]  

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

• The Wyoming Administrative Rules for the State Veterinarian states that in the case of a dog, cat or ferret that is not vaccinated for rabies and bites or otherwise possibly exposes a human to rabies, the situation shall be evaluated by the State Veterinarian, who will then either require the animal to be quarantined in isolation and observed daily by a licensed or accredited veterinarian for a minimum of 10 days, OR will have the animal euthanized within 24 hours by a licensed veterinarian and have the brain tested for rabies. [WAR: State Veterinarian: Chapter 1.7(b)] 

  Additionally, the Wyoming Administrative Rules for the State Veterinarian addresses the situation of an animal that is overdue for a rabies vaccination that bites or otherwise possibly exposes a human to rabies. The State Veterinarian shall evaluate the situation and take an action that may include (but is not limited to): quarantine, isolation, rabies vaccination, or the animal being euthanized by a licensed veterinarian. [WAR: State Veterinarian: Chapter 1.7(c)] 

  The Wyoming Statutes, address dogs or cats “running at large”, where they state that the dog or cat that bites a human “may” be impounded by the county sheriff or animal control officer and held in quarantine for “at least ten (10) days or as long as necessary to determine ... whether the animal has any disease which may be communicable to humans.” The statute goes on to say that an unvaccinated dog or cat will more likely be required to do the quarantine at another designated location. [WSA 11-31-301(e)] 

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)

• It should be assumed that a veterinarian practicing in Wyoming does not have the discretion to exempt an animal from rabies vaccination in locations where vaccination is required. 

  Special circumstances may exist with respect to individual cases and should be addressed with the State Public Health Veterinarian.

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 Wyoming does not specifically restrict veterinarians from administering rabies vaccine to wildlife hybrid dogs/cats. However, vaccinated hybrids are not recognized as “currently vaccinated” or immunized because there are no vaccines specifically licensed for use in (or studied in) hybrid species. 

  The Wyoming Administrative Rules for the Animal Damage Management Board (ADMB) states that for post-exposure management, all wild animals or “hybrids for which there is no licensed rabies vaccine, must be euthanized if exposed to a rabid animal.”. [WAR: ADMB: Chapter 25.9(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.