OAC 310:599-3-6
Unvaccinated domestic animals exposed to a rabid animal
Cite as Okla. Admin. Code § 310:599-3-6
(a)
Any dog, cat, or ferret that has never been vaccinated against
rabies and is exposed to a rabid animal shall be:
(1)
Euthanized immediately either by a veterinarian of the
owner's choice, or the local animal control officer; or
(2)
Placed in strict quarantine and observed for a period of
four (4) months for dogs and cats or six (6) months for ferrets
under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, either at a
veterinary facility or a recognized animal control facility. The
exposed animal shall be immediately vaccinated against rabies upon
entry into quarantine and then given booster vaccinations at the
third and eighth week of the quarantine period. Animals less than
16 weeks of age at the time of entry into quarantine may be required
to receive a booster vaccine in addition to the above protocol.
(b)
Any dog or cat that is overdue for a booster vaccination, and has
documentation of receiving a USDA-licensed rabies vaccine at least
once
previously
by
or
under
the
supervision
of
a
licensed
veterinarian, shall be re-vaccinated and isolated, by leashing or
confinement under the owner's supervision, for a period of at least 45
days from exposure date. Ferrets that are overdue for rabies booster
vaccination shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the
Department, taking into consideration factors such as the severity of
exposure, time elapsed since last vaccination, number of previous
vaccinations, and current health status to determine the need for
euthanasia or immediate booster vaccination and isolation for a period
of at least 45 days from exposure date.
(c) Any dog or cat that is overdue for a booster vaccination and
without appropriate documentation of having received a USDA-licensed
rabies vaccine at least once by or under the supervision of a licensed
veterinarian shall be:
(1)
Treated as unvaccinated by the Department and either
euthanized as described in (a) of this section; or
(2)
Immediately given a booster vaccination and placed in
strict quarantine for a period of four months under the
supervision of a licensed veterinarian; or
(3)
Prior to booster vaccination, the owner may work with the
licensed veterinarian to conduct prospective serologic monitoring.
Serologic monitoring shall include collecting paired blood
samples to document prior vaccination by providing evidence of an
anamnestic response to booster vaccination. If an adequate
anamnestic response is documented, the animal can be considered to
be overdue for booster vaccination as described in (b) of this
section. If there is inadequate anamnestic response, the animal
is considered to have never been vaccinated and managed as
described in (a) of this section.
(d)
Any livestock or equine animal which is not currently vaccinated
and is exposed to a rabid animal will be managed according to the most
current Compendium of Animal Rabies Control published by the National
Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc. and any State
Department of Agriculture guidelines that may apply.
OAC 310:599
OKLAHOMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
6