Public Veterinary Medicine: Public Health

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Public Veterinary Medicine: Public Health

Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention


and Control, 2016

National Association From the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 305 South St, Jamaica Plain,
of State Public Health Veterinarians MA 02130 (Brown); the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene,
Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention 2 Gotham Center, CN# 22A, 42-09 28th St, Queens, NY 11101 (Slavinski); the New
and Control Committee Mexico Department of Health, 1190 St Francis Dr, Room N-1350, Santa Fe, NM 87502
(Ettestad); and the Texas Department of State Health Services, PO Box 149347, MC
Catherine M. Brown DVM, MSc, MPH (Co-Chair) 1956, Austin, TX 78714 (Sidwa).
Sally Slavinski DVM, MPH (Co-Chair) Consultants to the Committee: Jesse Blanton, PhD (CDC, 1600 Clifton Rd, Mailstop
G-33, Atlanta, GA 30333); Richard B. Chipman, MS, MBA (USDA APHIS Wildlife
Paul Ettestad DVM, MS Services, 59 Chenell Dr, Ste 2, Concord, NH 03301); Rolan D. Davis, MS (Kansas State
Tom J. Sidwa DVM, MPH University, Room 1016 Research Park, Manhattan, KS 66506); Cathleen A. Hanlon,VMD,
PhD (Retired); Jamie McAloon Lampman (McKamey Animal Center, 4500 N Access
Faye E. Sorhage VMD, MPH Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37415 [representing the National Animal Care and Control
Association]); Joanne L. Maki, DVM, PhD (Merial a Sanofi Co, 115 Trans Tech Dr, Athens,
GA 30601 [representing the Animal Health Institute]); Michael C. Moore, DVM, MPH
(Kansas State University, Room 1016 Research Park, Manhattan, KS 66506); Jim Powell,
MS (Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, 465 Henry Mall, Madison, WI 53706
[representing the Association of Public Health Laboratories]); Charles E. Rupprecht,
VMD, PhD (Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, 3601 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA
19104); Geetha B. Srinivas, DVM, PhD (USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics, 1920
Dayton Ave, Ames, IA 50010); Nick Striegel, DVM, MPH (Colorado Department of
Agriculture, 305 Interlocken Pkwy, Broomfield, CO 80021); and Burton W. Wilcke Jr,
PhD (University of Vermont, 302 Rowell Building, Burlington, VT 05405 [representing
the American Public Health Association]).
Endorsed by the AVMA, American Public Health Association, Association of Public
Health Laboratories, Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, and National
Animal Care and Control Association.
This article has not undergone peer review.
Address correspondence to Dr. Brown (catherine.brown@state.ma.us).

R abies is a fatal viral zoonosis and serious public


health problem.1 All mammals are believed to be
susceptible to the disease, and for the purposes of
petance, dysphagia, cranial nerve deficits, abnormal
behavior, ataxia, paralysis, altered vocalization, and
seizures. Progression to death is rapid. There are cur-
this document, use of the term animal refers to mam- rently no known effective rabies antiviral drugs.
mals. The disease is an acute, progressive encephali- The recommendations in this compendium serve
tis caused by viruses in the genus Lyssavirus.2 Rabies as a basis for animal rabies prevention and control pro-
virus is the most important lyssavirus globally. In the grams throughout the United States and facilitate stan-
United States, multiple rabies virus variants are main- dardization of procedures among jurisdictions, there-
tained in wild mammalian reservoir populations such by contributing to an effective national rabies control
as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats.Although the Unit- program. The compendium is reviewed and revised
ed States has been declared free from transmission of as necessary, with the most current version replacing
canine rabies virus variants, there is always a risk of all previous versions. These recommendations do not
reintroduction of these variants.3–7 supersede state and local laws or requirements. Prin-
The rabies virus is usually transmitted from ani- ciples of rabies prevention and control are detailed in
mal to animal through bites. The incubation period is Part I, and recommendations for parenteral vaccina-
highly variable. In domestic animals, it is generally 3 to tion procedures are presented in Part II. All animal ra-
12 weeks, but can range from several days to months, bies vaccines licensed by the USDA and marketed in
rarely exceeding 6 months.8 Rabies is communicable the United States are listed and described in Appendix
during the period of salivary shedding of rabies virus. 1, and contact information for manufacturers of these
Experimental and historic evidence documents that vaccines is provided in Appendix 2.
dogs, cats, and ferrets shed the virus for a few days Modifications of note in this updated version of
prior to the onset of clinical signs and during illness. the compendium, compared with the previous ver-
Clinical signs of rabies are variable and include inap- sion,9 include clarification of language, explicit en-

JAVMA • Vol 248 • No. 5 • March 1, 2016 505


couragement of an interdisciplinary approach to ra- of possible exposures to medical and veterinary
bies control, a recommendation to collect and report professionals and local public health authorities
at the national level additional data elements on rabid are critical.
domestic animals, changes to the recommended man- 5. Human rabies prevention. Rabies in humans
agement of dogs and cats exposed to rabies that are ei- can be prevented by eliminating exposures to
ther unvaccinated or overdue for booster vaccination, rabid animals or by providing exposed persons
reduction of the recommended 6-month quarantine prompt postexposure prophylaxis consisting of
period for certain species, and updates to the list of local treatment of wounds in combination with
marketed animal rabies vaccines. appropriate administration of human rabies im-
mune globulin and vaccine. An exposure assess-
ment should occur before rabies postexposure
Part I. Rabies Prevention prophylaxis is initiated and should include dis-
and Control cussion between medical providers and public
health officials. The rationale for recommending
A. Principles of rabies prevention preexposure prophylaxis and details of both pre-
and control exposure and postexposure prophylaxis adminis-
1. Case definition. An animal is determined to tration can be found in the current recommenda-
be rabid after diagnosis by a qualified laboratory tions of the Advisory Committee on Immunization
as specified (see Part I.A. 10. Rabies diagnosis).The Practices.11,12 These recommendations, along with
national case definition for animal rabies requires information concerning the current local and re-
laboratory confirmation on the basis of either a gional epidemiology of animal rabies and the
positive result for the direct fluorescent antibody availability of human rabies biologics, are avail-
test (preferably performed on CNS tissue) or isola- able from state health departments.
tion of rabies virus in cell culture or a laboratory 6. Domestic animal vaccination. Multiple vac-
animal.10 cines are licensed for use in domestic animal spe-
2. Rabies virus exposure. Rabies is transmitted cies. Vaccines available include inactivated and
when the virus is introduced into bite wounds, modified-live virus vectored products, products
into open cuts in skin, or onto mucous membranes for IM and SC administration, products with dura-
from saliva or other potentially infectious material tions of immunity for periods of 1 to 3 years, and
such as neural tissue.11 Questions regarding pos- products with various minimum ages of vaccina-
sible exposures should be directed promptly to tion. Recommended vaccination procedures are
state or local public health authorities. specified in Part II of this compendium; animal ra-
3. Interdisciplinary approach. Clear and con- bies vaccines licensed by the USDA and marketed
sistent communication and coordination among in the United States are specified in Appendix 1.
relevant animal and human health partners across Local governments should initiate and maintain
and within all jurisdictions (including interna- effective programs to ensure vaccination of all
tional, national, state, and local) is necessary to dogs, cats, and ferrets and to remove stray and un-
most effectively prevent and control rabies. As is wanted animals. Such procedures have reduced lab-
the case for the prevention of many zoonotic and oratory-confirmed cases of rabies among dogs in
emerging infections, rabies prevention requires the United States from 6,949 cases in 1947 to 89
the cooperation of animal control, law enforce- cases in 2013.3 Because more rabies cases are re-
ment, and natural resource personnel; veterinar- ported annually involving cats (247 in 2013) than
ians; diagnosticians; public health professionals; dogs, vaccination of cats should be required.3 Ani-
physicians; animal and pet owners; and others. mal shelters and animal control authorities should
An integrated program must include provisions establish policies to ensure that adopted animals
to promptly respond to situations; humanely re- are vaccinated against rabies.
strain, capture, and euthanize animals; administer An important tool to optimize public and ani-
quarantine, confinement, and observation periods; mal health and enhance domestic animal rabies
and prepare samples for submission to a testing control is routine or emergency implementation
laboratory. of low-cost or free clinics for rabies vaccination.
4. Awareness and education. Essential compo- To facilitate implementation, jurisdictions should
nents of rabies prevention and control include work with veterinary medical licensing boards,
ongoing public education, responsible pet owner- veterinary associations, the local veterinary com-
ship, routine veterinary care and vaccination, and munity, animal control officials, and animal wel-
professional continuing education. Most animal fare organizations.
and human exposures to rabies can be prevented 7. Rabies in vaccinated animals. Rabies is rare in
by raising awareness concerning rabies transmis- vaccinated animals.13–15 If rabies is suspected in a
sion routes, the importance of avoiding contact vaccinated animal, it should be reported to pub-
with wildlife, and the need for appropriate vet- lic health officials, the vaccine manufacturer, and
erinary care. Prompt recognition and reporting the USDA APHIS Center for Veterinary Biologics

506 JAVMA • Vol 248 • No. 5 • March 1, 2016


(www.aphis.usda.gov; search for “adverse event 10. Rabies diagnosis.
reporting”). The laboratory diagnosis should be a) The direct fluorescent antibody test
confirmed and the virus variant characterized by is the gold standard for rabies diagnosis. The
the CDC’s rabies reference laboratory. A thorough test should be performed in accordance with
epidemiologic investigation including documen- the established national standardized proto-
tation of the animal’s vaccination history and po- col (www.cdc.gov/rabies/pdf/rabiesdfaspv2.
tential rabies exposures should be conducted. pdf) by a qualified laboratory that has been
8. Rabies in wildlife. It is difficult to control designated by the local or state health depart-
rabies among wildlife reservoir species.16 Vacci- ment.20,21 Animals submitted for rabies test-
nation of free-ranging wildlife or point infection ing should be euthanized22,23 in such a way as
control is useful in some situations,17 but the suc- to maintain the integrity of the brain so that
cess of such procedures depends on the circum- the laboratory can recognize anatomic struc-
stances surrounding each rabies outbreak (See tures. Except in the case of very small animals,
Part I. C. Prevention and control methods related such as bats, only the head or entire brain
to wildlife). Because of the risk of rabies in wild (including brainstem) should be submitted
animals (especially raccoons, skunks, coyotes, fox- to the laboratory. To facilitate prompt labora-
es, and bats), the AVMA, American Public Health tory testing, submitted specimens should be
Association, Council of State and Territorial Epide- stored and shipped under refrigeration with-
miologists, National Animal Care and Control As- out delay.The need to thaw frozen specimens
sociation, and National Association of State Public will delay testing. Chemical fixation of tissues
Health Veterinarians strongly recommend the en- should be avoided to prevent significant test-
actment and enforcement of state laws prohibit- ing delays and because such fixation might
ing the importation, distribution, translocation, preclude reliable testing. Questions about
and private ownership of wild animals. testing of fixed tissues should be directed to
9. Rabies surveillance. Laboratory-based ra- the local rabies laboratory or public health
bies surveillance and variant typing are essential department.
components of rabies prevention and control b) Rabies testing should be available out-
programs. A comprehensive surveillance pro- side of normal business hours at the discre-
gram should not be limited to testing only those tion of public health officials to expedite ex-
animals that have potentially exposed people or posure management decisions.20 When con-
domestic animals to rabies. Accurate and timely firmatory testing is needed by state health
information and reporting are necessary to guide departments (eg, in the event of inconclusive
decisions regarding postexposure prophylaxis in results, unusual species, or mass exposures),
potentially exposed humans, determine appro- the CDC rabies laboratory can provide addi-
priate management of potentially exposed ani- tional testing and results within 24 hours of
mals, aid in the discovery of emerging variants, sample receipt.24
describe the epidemiology of the disease, and c) Professional associations such as the
assess the effectiveness of vaccination programs Association of Public Health Laboratories
for domestic animals and wildlife. Every animal should advocate for, distribute, and promote
submitted for rabies testing should be reported the development of guidelines for routinely
to the CDC to evaluate surveillance trends. Public assessing testing practices within rabies labo-
health authorities should implement electronic ratories to ensure maintenance of quality and
laboratory reporting and notification systems.18 safety.
Information reported on every animal submitted d) A direct rapid immunohistochemical test
for rabies testing should include species, point (referred to as dRIT) is being used by trained
location, vaccination status, rabies virus variant field personnel in surveillance programs for
(if rabid), and human or domestic animal expo- specimens not involved in human or domestic
sures. To enhance the ability to make evidence- animal exposures.25–28 All positive direct rapid
based recommendations from national surveil- immunohistochemical test results need to be
lance data, additional data should be collected confirmed by means of direct fluorescent anti-
and reported on all rabid domestic animals. In body testing at a qualified laboratory.
this regard, essential data elements include age, e) Currently, there are no commercially
sex, neuter status, ownership status, quarantine available, USDA-licensed rapid test kits for ra-
dates (if any), date of onset of any clinical signs, bies diagnosis. Unlicensed tests should not be
and complete vaccination history. Rabid animals used owing to the following concerns: sensitiv-
with a history of importation into the United ity and specificity of these tests are not known,
States within the past 60 days are immediately the tests have not been validated against cur-
notifiable by state health departments to the rent standard methods, the excretion of virus
CDC; for all indigenous cases, standard notifica- in the saliva is intermittent and the amount var-
tion protocols should be followed.19 ies over time, any unlicensed test result would

JAVMA • Vol 248 • No. 5 • March 1, 2016 507


need to be confirmed by validated methods ered immunized immediately after any booster
such as direct fluorescent antibody testing on vaccination.38,39
brain tissue, and the interpretation of results a) Booster vaccination. Following the ini-
from unlicensed tests may place exposed ani- tial vaccination, booster vaccinations should
mals and persons at risk. be given in a manner consistent with the
11. Rabies serology. Some jurisdictions require manufacturer’s label. If a previously vaccinated
evidence of vaccination and rabies virus antibod- animal is overdue for any booster vaccination,
ies for animal importation purposes. Rabies virus including the first booster vaccination due 1
antibody titers are indicative of a response to vac- year after initial vaccination, it should be given
cine or infection. Titers do not directly correlate a booster vaccination. Immediately after this
with protection because other immunologic fac- booster vaccination, the animal is considered
tors also play a role in preventing rabies and our currently vaccinated and should be placed
abilities to measure and interpret those other fac- on a booster vaccination schedule consistent
tors are not well-developed. Therefore, evidence with the label of the vaccine used. There are
of circulating rabies virus antibodies in animals no laboratory or epidemiological data to sup-
should not be used as a substitute for current vac- port the annual or biennial administration of
cination in managing rabies exposures or deter- 3-year vaccines after completion of the initial
mining the need for booster vaccination.29–32 vaccine series (ie, the initial vaccination and
12. Rabies research. Information derived from 1-year booster vaccination).
well-designed studies is essential for the devel- b) Dogs, cats, and ferrets. All dogs, cats,
opment of evidence-based recommendations. and ferrets should be vaccinated against
Data are needed in several areas, including viral rabies and revaccinated in accordance
shedding periods for domestic livestock and lago- with recommendations in this compendi-
morphs, potential shedding of virus in milk, the um (Appendix 1).
earliest age at which rabies vaccination is effec- c) Livestock. All horses should be vac-
tive, protective effect of maternal antibody, dura- cinated against rabies.40 Livestock, including
tion of immunity, postexposure prophylaxis pro- species for which licensed vaccines are not
tocols for domestic animals, models for treatment available, that have frequent contact with
of clinical rabies, extralabel vaccine use in domes- humans (eg, in petting zoos, fairs, and other
tic animals and wildlife rabies reservoir species, public exhibitions) should be vaccinated
host-pathogen adaptations and dynamics, and the against rabies.41,42 Consideration should also
ecology of wildlife rabies reservoir species, espe- be given to vaccinating livestock that are par-
cially in relation to the use of oral rabies vaccines. ticularly valuable.
d) Captive wild animals and wild animal
B. Prevention and control methods hybrids (the offspring of wild animals cross-
in domestic and confined animals bred to domestic animals).
1. Preexposure vaccination and management. Ad- (1) Wild animals and wild animal hy-
herence to a regular rabies vaccination schedule is brids should not be kept as pets.43,44 No
critical to protect animals against recognized and parenteral rabies vaccines are licensed
unrecognized rabies exposures. Parenteral animal for use in wild animals or wild animal
rabies vaccines should be administered only by hybrids.45
or under the direct supervision of a licensed vet- (2) Animals that are farmed (eg, for
erinarian on premises. Rabies vaccines may be food, fur, or fiber) or maintained in ex-
administered under the supervision of a licensed hibits or zoological parks and that are
veterinarian to animals held in animal shelters be- not completely excluded from all con-
fore release.33,34 The veterinarian signing a rabies tact with rabies vectors can become in-
vaccination certificate must ensure that the person fected.46 Moreover, wild animals might be
who administered the vaccine is identified on the incubating rabies when initially captured.
certificate and has been appropriately trained in Therefore, wild-caught animals suscep-
vaccine storage, handling, and administration and tible to rabies should be quarantined for
in the management of adverse events.This ensures a minimum of 6 months.
that a qualified and responsible person can be held (3) Employees who work with ani-
accountable for properly vaccinating the animal. mals in exhibits or zoological parks should
Within 28 days after initial vaccination, a receive preexposure rabies vaccination.
peak rabies virus antibody titer is expected, and The use of preexposure or postexposure
the animal can be considered immunized.31,35–37 rabies vaccination for handlers who work
Regardless of the age of the animal at initial vac- with animals at such facilities might re-
cination, a booster vaccination should be admin- duce the need for euthanasia of captive
istered 1 year later (see Part II and Appendix 1). animals that expose handlers. Carnivores
An animal is currently vaccinated and is consid- and bats should be housed in a manner

508 JAVMA • Vol 248 • No. 5 • March 1, 2016


that precludes direct contact with the should be currently vaccinated against rabies
public.41,42 Consideration may be given to with USDA-licensed products in accordance
vaccinating animals that are particularly with this compendium. Failure of the owner
valuable (see Part II. D.Vaccination of wild- to comply with state or local requirements
life and wild animal hybrids). should be referred to the appropriate state or
2. Stray animals. Stray dogs, cats, and ferrets local official.
should be removed from the community, and mech- c) Interstate movement (including com-
anisms should be put in place to facilitate voluntary monwealths and territories). Before inter-
surrender of animals to prevent abandonment. Lo- state movement occurs, dogs, cats, ferrets,
cal health departments and animal control officials and horses should be currently vaccinated
can enforce the removal of strays more effectively if against rabies in accordance with this com-
owned animals are required to have identification pendium.Animals in transit should be accom-
and be confined or kept on leash. Strays should be panied by a current, valid rabies vaccination
impounded for at least 3 business days to determine certificate such as Form 51 from the National
whether human exposure has occurred and to give Association of State Public Health Veterinar-
owners sufficient time to reclaim animals. ians.53 When an interstate health certificate
Stray and feral cats serve as a significant source or certificate of veterinary inspection is re-
of rabies exposure risk.47 If communities allow quired, it should contain the same rabies vac-
maintenance of feral cat colonies despite this risk, cination information as Form 51.
they should safeguard the health of the cats and 4. Adjunct procedures. Methods or procedures
the communities in which they reside by requiring that enhance rabies control include the following54:
that cats receive initial rabies vaccinations and ap- a) Identification. Dogs, cats, and ferrets
propriately scheduled booster vaccinations. should be identified (eg, metal or plastic tags
3. Importation and interstate movement of animals. or microchips) to allow for verification of ra-
a) Areas with dog-to-dog rabies transmis- bies vaccination status.
sion. Canine rabies virus variants have been b) Licensure. Registration or licensure of
eliminated from the United States3,7; howev- all dogs, cats, and ferrets is an integral compo-
er, rabid dogs and a rabid cat have been in- nent of an effective rabies control program. A
troduced into the continental United States fee is frequently charged for such licensure,
from areas with dog-to-dog rabies transmis- and revenues collected are used to maintain
sion.4–6,48,49 The movement of dogs for the rabies or animal control activities. Evidence
purposes of adoption or sale from areas with of current vaccination should be an essential
dog-to-dog rabies transmission increases the prerequisite to licensure.
risk of introducing canine-transmitted rabies c) Canvassing. House-to-house canvass-
to areas where it does not currently exist, and ing by animal control officials facilitates
this practice should be prohibited. enforcement of vaccination and licensure
b) International importation. Current fed- requirements.
eral regulations are insufficient to prevent the d) Citations. Citations are legal summons-
introduction of rabid animals into the United es issued to owners for violations, including
States and must be strengthened and appro- the failure to vaccinate or license their ani-
priately enforced.4–6,48,49 The CDC and USDA mals. The authority for officers to issue cita-
APHIS have regulatory authority over the tions should be an integral part of animal con-
importation of dogs and cats into the United trol programs.
States.6 Importers of dogs must comply with e) Animal control. All local jurisdictions
rabies vaccination requirements.50,51 These should incorporate training and continuing
regulations require that dogs from rabies- education of personnel regarding stray-ani-
endemic countries be currently vaccinated mal control, leash laws, animal bite preven-
against rabies prior to importation.The appro- tion, and rabies prevention and control into
priate health official of the state of destination their programs.
should be notified by the appropriate federal f) Public education. All local jurisdic-
authorities within 72 hours of the arrival of tions should incorporate education covering
any unvaccinated imported dog required to responsible pet ownership, bite prevention,
be placed in confinement (as defined by the and appropriate veterinary care into their
CDC52) under these regulations. Failure of the programs.
owner to comply with these confinement re- 5. Postexposure management. This section re-
quirements should be promptly reported to fers to any animal exposed (see Part I. A. 2. Rabies
the CDC’s Division of Global Migration and virus exposure) to a confirmed or suspected ra-
Quarantine (CDCAnimalImports@cdc.gov). bid animal. Wild mammalian carnivores, skunks,
All imported dogs and cats are also subject and bats that are not available or suitable for test-
to state and local laws governing rabies and ing should be regarded as rabid. The rationale for

JAVMA • Vol 248 • No. 5 • March 1, 2016 509


observation, confinement, or strict quarantine er’s control and observed for 45 days.39
periods of exposed animals despite previous vac- If booster vaccination is delayed, public
cination is based in part on the potential for over- health officials may consider increasing
whelming viral challenge, incomplete vaccine ef- the observation period for the animal, tak-
ficacy, improper vaccine administration, variable ing into consideration factors such as the
host immunocompetence, and immune-mediated severity of exposure, the length of delay in
death (ie, early death phenomenon).13,55–57 booster vaccination, current health status,
a) Dogs, cats, and ferrets. Any illness in an and local rabies epidemiology.
exposed animal should be reported immedi- (4) Dogs and cats that are overdue
ately to the local health department. If signs for a booster vaccination and without
suggestive of rabies develop (eg, paralysis or appropriate documentation of having
seizures), the animal should be euthanized, received a USDA-licensed rabies vaccine
and the head or entire brain (including brain- at least once previously should imme-
stem) should be submitted for testing (see Part diately receive veterinary medical care
I.A. 10. Rabies diagnosis). for assessment, wound cleansing, and
(1) Dogs, cats, and ferrets that are consultation with local public health
current on rabies vaccination should im- authorities.
mediately receive veterinary medical care (a) The animal can be treated as
for assessment, wound cleansing, and unvaccinated, immediately given a
booster vaccination. The animal should booster vaccination, and placed in
be kept under the owner’s control and strict quarantine (see Part I. B. 5. a) (2)).
observed for 45 days. (b) Alternatively, prior to booster
(2) Dogs, cats, and ferrets that have vaccination, the attending veterinar-
never been vaccinated should be eutha- ian may request guidance from the
nized immediately. There are currently local public health authorities in
no USDA-licensed biologics for postex- the possible use of prospective se-
posure prophylaxis of previously unvac- rologic monitoring. Such monitoring
cinated domestic animals, and there is would entail collecting paired blood
evidence that the use of vaccine alone samples to document prior vacci-
will not reliably prevent the disease in nation by providing evidence of an
these animals.58 If the owner is unwilling anamnestic response to booster vac-
to have the animal euthanized, the animal cination. If an adequate anamnestic
should be placed in strict quarantine for response is documented, the animal
4 (dogs and cats) or 6 (ferrets) months. can be considered to be overdue for
Strict quarantine in this context refers booster vaccination (see Part I. B. 5.
to confinement in an enclosure that pre- a) (3)) and observed for 45 days.39 If
cludes direct contact with people and there is inadequate evidence of an
other animals. A rabies vaccine should anamnestic response, the animal is
be administered at the time of entry into considered to have never been vacci-
quarantine to bring the animal up to cur- nated and should be placed in strict
rent rabies vaccination status.Administra- quarantine (see Part I. B. 5. a) (2)).
tion of vaccine should be done as soon (5) Ferrets that are overdue for a
as possible. It is recommended that the booster vaccination should be evalu-
period from exposure to vaccination not ated on a case-by-case basis, taking into
exceed 96 hours.59,60 If vaccination is de- consideration factors such as the sever-
layed, public health officials may consider ity of exposure, time elapsed since last
increasing the quarantine period for dogs vaccination, number of previous vacci-
and cats from 4 to 6 months, taking into nations, current health status, and local
consideration factors such as the severity rabies epidemiology, to determine need
of exposure, the length of delay in vac- for euthanasia or immediate booster vac-
cination, current health status, and local cination followed by observation or strict
rabies epidemiology. quarantine.
(3) Dogs and cats that are overdue for b) Livestock. All species of livestock are
a booster vaccination and that have appro- susceptible to rabies; cattle and horses are the
priate documentation of having received a most frequently reported infected species.3
USDA-licensed rabies vaccine at least once Any illness in an exposed animal should be re-
previously should immediately receive ported immediately to the local health depart-
veterinary medical care for assessment, ment and animal health officials. If signs sug-
wound cleansing, and booster vaccination. gestive of rabies develop, the animal should
The animal should be kept under the own- be euthanized, and the head or entire brain

510 JAVMA • Vol 248 • No. 5 • March 1, 2016


(including brainstem) should be submitted for immediately. Animals maintained in USDA-
testing (see Part I.A. 10. Rabies diagnosis). licensed research facilities or accredited zoo-
(1) Livestock that have never been logical parks should be evaluated on a case-by-
vaccinated should be euthanized imme- case basis in consultation with public health
diately. Animals that are not euthanized authorities. Management options may include
should be confined and observed on a quarantine, observation, or administration of
case-by-case basis for 6 months. rabies biologics.
(2) Livestock that are current on ra- 6. Management of animals that bite humans.
bies vaccination with a USDA-licensed a) Dogs, cats, and ferrets. Rabies virus is
vaccine approved for that species should excreted in the saliva of infected dogs, cats,
be given a booster vaccination immedi- and ferrets during illness and for only a few
ately and observed for 45 days. days before the onset of clinical signs or
(3) Livestock overdue for a booster death.71–73 Regardless of rabies vaccination
vaccination should be evaluated on a status, a healthy dog, cat, or ferret that expos-
case-by-case basis, taking into consider- es a person should be confined and observed
ation factors such as severity of expo- daily for 10 days from the time of the expo-
sure, time elapsed since last vaccination, sure74; administration of rabies vaccine to the
number of previous vaccinations, current animal is not recommended during the ob-
health status, and local rabies epidemiol- servation period to avoid confusing signs of
ogy, to determine need for euthanasia or rabies with rare adverse vaccine reactions.15
immediate booster vaccination followed Any illness in the animal should be reported
by observation or strict quarantine. immediately to the local health department.
(4) Multiple rabid animals in a herd Such animals should be evaluated by a veteri-
and herbivore-to-herbivore transmission of narian at the first sign of illness during con-
rabies are uncommon.61 Therefore, restrict- finement. If signs suggestive of rabies devel-
ing the rest of the herd if a single animal has op, the animal should be euthanized, and the
been exposed to or infected with rabies is head or entire brain (including brainstem)
usually not necessary. should be submitted for testing (see Part I. A.
(5) Rabies virus is widely distributed in 10. Rabies diagnosis). Any stray or unwanted
the tissues of rabid animals.62–64 Tissues and dog, cat, or ferret that exposes a person may
products from a rabid animal should not be be euthanized immediately, and the head or
used for human or animal consumption65,66 entire brain (including brainstem) should be
or transplantation.67 However, pasteuriza- submitted for testing (see Part I. A. 10. Rabies
tion and cooking will inactivate rabies vi- diagnosis).
rus.68 Therefore, inadvertently drinking pas- b) Other animals. Other animals that
teurized milk or eating thoroughly cooked might have exposed a person to rabies
animal products does not constitute a ra- should be reported immediately to the local
bies exposure. health department. Management of animals
(6) Handling and consumption of other than dogs, cats, and ferrets depends on
uncooked tissues from exposed animals the species, the circumstances of the expo-
might carry a risk for rabies transmis- sure, the epidemiology of rabies in the area,
sion.69 Persons handling exposed animals, the exposing animal’s history and current
carcasses, and tissues should use appro- health status, and the animal’s potential for
priate barrier precautions.69,70 State and exposure to rabies. The shedding period for
local public health authorities, state meat rabies virus is undetermined for most spe-
inspectors, and the USDA Food Safety and cies. Previous vaccination of these animals
Inspection Service should be notified if might not preclude the necessity for eutha-
exposures occur in animals intended for nasia and testing.
commercial use. Animals should not be 7. Outbreak prevention and control. The emer-
presented for slaughter in a USDA-regu- gence of new rabies virus variants or the introduc-
lated establishment if such animals origi- tion of nonindigenous viruses poses a significant
nate from a quarantine area and have not risk to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife.75–82
been approved for release by the proper A rapid and comprehensive response involves
authority. If an exposed animal is to be coordination of multiple agencies (see Part I. A. 3.
custom slaughtered or home slaughtered Interdisciplinary approach) to accomplish the fol-
for consumption, it should be slaugh- lowing outcomes83:
tered immediately after exposure, and all • Characterize the virus at the national refer-
tissues should be cooked thoroughly. ence laboratory.
c) Other animals. Other mammals ex- • Identify and control the source of the
posed to a rabid animal should be euthanized introduction.

JAVMA • Vol 248 • No. 5 • March 1, 2016 511


• Enhance laboratory-based surveillance in Translocating infected wildlife has contributed
wild and domestic animals. to the spread of rabies,75–80,88 and animals that appear
• Increase animal rabies vaccination rates. healthy can still be rabid. Therefore, translocation (ie,
• Restrict the movement of animals. moving live animals from their point of capture and
• Evaluate the need for wildlife intervention releasing them) of known rabies reservoir species
activities (eg, point infection control, trap- should be prohibited.89 Whereas state-regulated wild-
vaccinate-release programs, and oral rabies life rehabilitators and nuisance-wildlife control opera-
vaccination programs). tors should play a role in a comprehensive rabies con-
• Provide public and professional outreach and trol program, minimum standards for these persons
education. who handle wild mammals should include rabies pre-
8. Disaster response. Animals might be dis- exposure vaccination, specific rabies prevention and
placed during and after man-made or natural disas- control training, and ongoing continuing education.
ters and require emergency sheltering.84–86 Animal 1. Carnivores. The use of oral rabies vaccines for
rabies vaccination and exposure histories are often mass vaccination of free-ranging wildlife should be
not available for displaced animals, and disaster re- considered in selected situations, with the approval
sponse can create situations where animal caretak- of appropriate state and local agencies.16,90 There
ers might lack appropriate training or preexposure have been documented successes using oral rabies
vaccination. In such situations, it is critical to imple- vaccines to control rabies in wildlife in North Amer-
ment and coordinate rabies prevention and control ica.90–93 The currently licensed vaccinia-vectored oral
measures to reduce the risk of rabies transmission rabies vaccine is labeled for use in raccoons and coy-
and the need for human postexposure prophylaxis. otes. Research to improve existing oral rabies vaccine
Such measures include the following actions: and baits and to develop and test novel products to
• Coordinate relief efforts of individuals and or- determine safety and efficacy must be encouraged.
ganizations with the local emergency opera- The distribution of oral rabies vaccines should be
tions center before deployment. based on scientific assessments of the target species
• Examine each animal at a triage site for pos- and followed by timely and appropriate analysis of
sible bite injuries or signs of rabies. surveillance data, with results provided to all stake-
• Isolate animals exhibiting signs of rabies holders. In addition, parenteral vaccination (trap-vac-
pending evaluation by a veterinarian. cinate-release) of wildlife rabies reservoir species may
• Ensure that all animals have a unique identifier. be integrated into coordinated oral rabies vaccine
• Administer a rabies vaccine to all dogs, cats, programs to enhance their effectiveness. Continuous
and ferrets unless reliable proof of current and persistent programs for trapping or poisoning
vaccination exists. wildlife are not effective in reducing populations of
• Adopt minimum standards for animal caretak- wildlife rabies reservoir species on a statewide basis.
ers as feasible, including use of personal protec- However, limited population control in high-contact
tive equipment, completion of the preexposure areas (eg, picnic grounds, camps, and suburban areas)
rabies vaccination series prior to deployment, might be indicated for the removal of selected high-
and provision of appropriate training.87 risk species of wildlife. State agriculture, public health,
and wildlife agencies should be consulted for plan-
• Maintain documentation of animal disposi-
ning, coordination, and evaluation of vaccination or
tion and location (eg, returned to owner, died
point infection control programs.16
or euthanized, adopted, or relocated to anoth-
2. Bats. From the 1950s to today, indigenous rabid
er shelter with address of new location).
bats have been reported from every state except Ha-
• Provide facilities to confine and observe ani-
waii and have caused rabies in at least 54 humans in
mals involved in exposures (see Part I. B. 6.
the United States.94–103 Bats should be excluded, using
Management of animals that bite humans).
• Report human exposures to appropriate pub- appropriate methods, from houses, public buildings,
lic health authorities (see Part I. A. 2. Rabies and adjacent structures to prevent direct association
virus exposure). with humans.104,105 Such structures should then be
made bat-proof by sealing entrances used by bats. Con-
C. Prevention and control methods trolling rabies in bats through programs designed to
reduce bat populations is neither feasible nor desirable.
related to wildlife
The public should be warned not to handle or
feed wild mammals. Wild mammals and wild animal Part II. Recommendations
hybrids that expose persons, pets, or livestock should
be considered for euthanasia and rabies testing. A per- for Parenteral Rabies
son exposed by any wild mammal should immediately Vaccination Procedures
wash the wound thoroughly and report the incident
to a health-care provider who, in consultation with A. Vaccine administration
public health authorities, can evaluate the need for All animal rabies vaccines should be restricted to
postexposure prophylaxis.11,12 use by or under the direct supervision of a veterinar-

512 JAVMA • Vol 248 • No. 5 • March 1, 2016


ian,106 except as recommended otherwise (see Part I. E. Accidental human exposure
B. 1. Preexposure vaccination and management). to rabies vaccines
Human exposure to parenteral animal rabies vac-
B. Vaccine selection cines listed in Appendix 1 does not constitute a risk
All vaccines licensed by the USDA and marketed for rabies virus infection. Human exposure to vaccinia-
in the United States at the time of publication of this vectored oral rabies vaccines should be reported to
compendium are listed (Appendix 1). Newly approved state health officials.111,112
vaccines and changes in label specifications made sub-
sequent to publication should be considered as part F. Rabies certificates
of this list. Any of the listed vaccines can be used for All agencies and veterinarians should use Form 51,
revaccination, even if the product is not the same as the rabies vaccination certificate recommended by the
the one previously administered. Vaccines used in National Association of State Public Health Veterinar-
state and local rabies control programs should have ians,53 or should use an equivalent. The form must be
at least a 3-year duration of immunity. This constitutes completed in full and signed by the administering or
the most effective method of increasing the propor- supervising veterinarian. Computer-generated forms
tion of immunized dogs and cats in any population.107 containing the same information are also acceptable.

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SP_WildlifeDisease1.pdf. Accessed Jun 15, 2015. Wkly Rep 2009;58:1204–1207.

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Appendix 1
Rabies vaccines licensed and marketed in the United States, 2016.
Age at primary Route of
Product name Produced by Marketed by For use in Dose vaccination* Booster vaccination inoculation
Monovalent (inactivated)
RABVAC 1 Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc License No. 124 Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc Dogs and cats 1 mL 3 mo Annually IM or SC
RABVAC 3 Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc License No. 124 Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc Dogs and cats 1 mL 3 mo 1 year later and triennially IM or SC
Horses 2 mL 3 mo Annually IM
EQUI-RAB with Havlogen Merck Animal Health License No. 165A Merck Animal Health Horses 1 mL 4 mo Annually IM
DEFENSOR 1 Zoetis License No. 190 Zoetis Dogs 1 mL 3 mo Annually IM or SC
Cats 1 mL 3 mo Annually SC
DEFENSOR 3 Zoetis License No. 190 Zoetis Dogs 1 mL 3 mo 1 year later and triennially IM or SC
Cats 1 mL 3 mo 1 year later and triennially SC
Sheep and cattle 2 mL 3 mo Annually IM
NOBIVAC: 1-Rabies Zoetis License No. 190 Merck Animal Health Dogs 1 mL 3 mo Annually IM or SC
Cats 1 mL 3 mo Annually SC
NOBIVAC: 3-Rabies and Zoetis License No. 190 Merck Animal Health Dogs 1 mL 3 mo 1 year later and triennially IM or SC
3-Rabies CA Cats 1 mL 3 mo 1 year later and triennially SC
Sheep and cattle 2 mL 3 mo Annually IM
IMRAB 1 Merial Inc License No. 298 Merial Inc Dogs and cats 1 mL 3 mo Annually SC
IMRAB 1 TF Merial Inc License No. 298 Merial Inc Dogs and cats 1 mL 3 mo Annually SC
IMRAB 3 Merial Inc License No. 298 Merial Inc Dogs and cats 1 mL 3 mo 1 year later and triennially IM or SC
Sheep 2 mL 3 mo 1 year later and triennially IM or SC
Cattle and horses 2 mL 3 mo Annually IM or SC
Ferrets 1 mL 3 mo Annually SC
IMRAB 3 TF Merial Inc License No. 298 Merial Inc Dogs and cats 1 mL 3 mo 1 year later and triennially IM or SC
Ferrets 1 mL 3 mo Annually SC
IMRAB Large Animal Merial Inc License No. 298 Merial Inc Dogs and cats 1 mL 3 mo 1 year later and triennially IM or SC
Cattle and horses 2 mL 3 mo Annually IM or SC
Sheep 2 mL 3 mo 1 year later and triennially IM or SC

Monovalent (rabies glycoprotein;


live canary pox vector)
PUREVAX Feline Rabies Merial Inc License No. 298 Merial Inc Cats 1 mL 3 mo Annually SC
PUREVAX Feline Merial Inc License No. 298 Merial Inc Cats 1 mL 3 mo 1 year later and triennially SC
Rabies 3 YR

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Combination (inactivated)
Equine POTOMAVAC + Merial Inc License No. 298 Merial Inc Horses 1 mL 3 mo Annually IM
IMRAB

Combination (rabies glycoprotein;


live canary pox vector)
PUREVAX Feline 3/Rabies Merial Inc License No. 298 Merial Inc Cats 1 mL 8 wk Every 3 to 4 wk until 3 mo SC
and annually

3 mo 3 to 4 wk later and annually SC


PUREVAX Feline 4/Rabies Merial Inc License No. 298 Merial Inc Cats 1 mL 8 wk Every 3 to 4 wk until 3 mo SC
and annually
3 mo 3 to 4 wk later and annually SC

Oral (rabies glycoprotein; live


vaccinia vector)†
RABORAL V-RG Merial Inc License No. 298 Merial Inc Raccoons and coyotes NA NA As determined by local Oral
authorities

*One month = 28 days. †Oral rabies vaccines are restricted for use in federal and state rabies control programs.
NA = Not applicable.
Information is provided by the vaccine manufacturers and USDA APHIS’s Center for Veterinary Biologics and is subject to change.
Appendix 2
Rabies vaccine manufacturer contact information

Manufacturer Phone No. URL


Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc 800–638–2226 www.bi-vetmedica.com
Merck Animal Health Inc 800–521–5767 www.merck-animal-health-usa.com
Merial Inc 888–637–4251 us.merial.com
Zoetis 800–366–5288 www.zoetis.com

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