From:
Rbossart@aol.com
Date: 2001-12-15 06:52:00 UTC
Subject: RE:Rabies Quarantine Laws
Here is the quote from the Compendium of Animal Rabies Control, 2000. Some
states and communities within the states may have different rules. Many
states do follow the Compendium recommendations, but local officials, at the
insistence of the attending doctor may insist that the ferret/cat/dog be
tested regardless of vaccination status.
"
6) MANAGEMENT OF ANIMALS THAT BITE HUMANS
a) A healthy dog, cat, or ferret that bites a person should be confined and
observed daily for 10 days; administration of rabies vaccine is not
recommended during the observation period. Such animals should be evaluated
by a veterinarian at the first sign of illness during confinement. Any
illness in the animal should be reported immediately to the local health
department. If signs suggestive of rabies develop, the animal should be
euthanized, its head removed, and the head shipped under refrigeration (not
frozen) for examination of the brain by a qualified laboratory designated by
the local or state health department. Any stray or unwanted dog, cat, or
ferret that bites a person may be euthanized immediately and the head
submitted as described above for rabies examination.
b) Other biting animals which might have exposed a person to rabies should be
reported immediately to the local health department. Prior vaccination of an
animal may not preclude the necessity for euthanasia and testing if the
period of virus shedding is unknown for that species. Management of animals
other than dogs, cats, and ferrets depends on the species, the circumstances
of the bite, the epidemiology of rabies in the area, and the biting animal's
history, current health status, and potential for exposure to rabies. "
Dick B.