Rabies is a disease of the central nervous system that can affect all mammals, including humans. Rabies produces a variety of symptoms in affected animals and is usually fatal. Because rabies can be transmitted to humans and can be fatal if not treated early, a series of laws have been enacted with the purpose of preventing infection. Each state in the United States as well as most countries around the world have laws regarding the vaccination of domestic animals, long considered the vector of transmission to humans, and the quarantine and testing of animals, both wild and domestic, whose vaccine status is unknown.
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Vaccination Laws
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Domestic animals within the United States must be vaccinated against rabies. Some states require annual vaccination while others recognize three-year vaccine protocols. Vaccines given are usually killed vaccines.
Vaccination Age
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Domesticated animals in most states must be vaccinated against rabies by the time they are 20 weeks of age. Many are vaccinated by 16 weeks of age. One booster is sufficient, with annual or triennial vaccines to commence thereafter.
Quarantine
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Domestic animals that have been involved in a violent confrontation with a person and has proof of up-to-date vaccines will be quarantined for a state-mandated period. This quarantine period is usually 10 days. If the animal shows no symptoms of rabies infection, it can be released back to the owner.
Testing
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In cases where the domestic animal's vaccine status is unknown or in the event that the confrontation occurred with a wild animal, the animal will be destroyed and rabies testing will be conducted. Rabies testing involves testing of the brain matter, though positive results can be achieved through the use of central nervous system fluid.
Travelling Abroad
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When travelling abroad, domesticated animals with proof of vaccination may be required to remain in quarantine for a period defined by the country you are entering. Many countries that have successfully eradicated rabies will require extensive quarantine periods regardless of vaccination status. Dogs without proof of vaccination may be denied entry into a country. Most will be ineligible to fly.
Travelling Domestically
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It is illegal to take a pet across state lines, regardless of the mode of travel, without a health certificate from a veterinarian that includes the date of the last rabies vaccine.
Wolf Hybrids
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In most states, wolf-hybrid dogs are exempt from vaccination for rabies due to the fact that there is no rabies vaccination approved for use in such animals. In the case where wolves or wolf-hybrid dogs bite a person, the animal will be required to be tested per the unvaccinated animal protocols.
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