Rabies

Question 1

Who enforces rabies control procedures and regulations?

Answer 1

Local county/municipal agencies (Animal Control and Public Health)

Question 2

State Vaccination Law

Answer 2

F.S 828.30

All dogs, cats and ferrets four months or older MUST be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian against rabies

Question 3

There are licensed rabies vaccine products for which animal species?

Answer 3

Dog
Cat
Ferret
Horse
Cattle
Sheep

• note- there are no currently licensed vaccinations for wolf or feline hybrids

Question 4

Wolf/Feline hybrids

Answer 4

• currently no approved vaccination for rabies
• use is considered “off-label”
• veterinarians encouraged to have owner sign a consent stating their understanding that this is off label and does NOT change the guidelines for euthanasia and testing should the animal bite a person

Question 5

Veterinarians should remind owners that many wild animals maintained as pets require what?

Answer 5

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission permit

Question 6

Do you issue a certificate of vaccination to wild-domestic hybrids when giving rabies vaccine?

Answer 6

No. It is considered “off label” and does not receive a certificate of vaccination for this vaccine.

Question 7

When can animals be exempt from receiving a rabies vaccine?

Answer 7

Deemed that issuance would endanger the animals health due to age, infirmity, disability, illness or other medical considerations.

An exempt animal must be vaccinated as soon as health permits

Question 8

Rabies vaccine certificate goes to who?

Answer 8

1- to the owner

2- copy goes to the city/county animal control authority

Question 9

Department of Health animal testing policy

Answer 9

No charge for examination of “high risk” animals that have bitten or otherwise exposed people to rabies

If determined no rabies exposure has occurred, fee based testing available but must be submitted by veterinarian and paid for.

Question 10

If vaccinated dog, cat or ferret bites a person

Answer 10

Must be observed for neurological signs for 10 days at owners home

Question 11

If UNvaccinated dog, cat or ferret bites someone

Answer 11

10 day observation at a facility approved by County Health Officer

Ie- veterinary clinic, animal control facility etc

Question 12

If a domestic farm animal bites someone

Answer 12

14 day observation

Question 13

Animals considered high risk

Answer 13

Raccoons
Skunk
Fox
Bat

Question 14

If a high risk animal bites a person

Answer 14

May require animal to be euthanized and tested

Question 15

Low rabies risk animals and if they bite people

Answer 15

Squirrel
Rabbit
Pocket pet

Case by case basis

Question 16

What to do if a previously vaccinated animal is bitten by a possible rabid animal

Answer 16

Contact animal control and county health department

If pet is previously vaccinated but not current or no way to test the biter
- revaccinate promptly
- observe at home or facility for 45 days for neuro signs

Question 17

If an UNvaccinated (or off label in case of pig, goat, etc) animal is bitten by a possible rabid animal

Answer 17

Euthanized

  Or

Quarantined by county health officer for 180 days and vaccinated at time of release or up to one month prior