Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• There is no STATE rabies vaccination requirement in Colorado.  

  Rather, the Colorado Revised Statues (CRS) gives authority to the “board of health of an organized health department or a county board of health” to require “all dogs, cats, other pet animals, or other mammals in the county or district” to be vaccinated against rabies. [CRS 25-4-607(1)(a)] 

  The CRS does state that notwithstanding the above provisions, the board of health of an organized health department or a county board of health shall not require vaccinating dogs, cats or ferrets any more frequently than what is recommended in the latest version of the Compendium of Animal Rabies Control and Prevention. [CRS 25-4-607(1)(b)] 

  Local vaccination requirements shall not become effective until 24 hours after the new requirements have been published in a “newspaper of general circulation in the county or district.” [CRS 25-4-608] 

  NOTE: When a State-level requirement for rabies vaccination is not in effect it is the veterinarian’s responsibility to know whether or not local jurisdictions (ie, either city or county) have rabies vaccination requirements in place. Even if rabies vaccination is NOT required at the State or local level, vaccination of all dogs/cats is strongly recommended.  

Who is legally authorized to administer a rabies vaccine?

• While the Colorado Revised Statutes gives the local or county board of health the authority to determine the requirements for rabies vaccination, the Colorado Revised Statutes do specify that required rabies vaccinations shall be administered by a licensed veterinarian. [CRS 25-4-607(1)(a)] 

How long must a copy of the signed rabies certificate be maintained by the practice?

• The Colorado Veterinary Practice Act stipulates that, in general, a veterinarian shall maintain patient records for a minimum of 3 years after the patient’s last medical examination. [CRS 12-64-120(3)(b)] 

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in Colorado?

• • MINIMUM Age: There is no State requirement; the minimum vaccination age is determined at the local/county level. Generally, in Colorado, veterinarians should administer rabies vaccine in accordance with the product label. Currently, rabies vaccine manufacturers stipulate 12 weeks of age as the minimum age for administering the initial dose of rabies vaccine.
    
    NOTE: In Colorado, some jurisdictions may require rabies vaccine be administered not earlier than 16 weeks of age. Local health authorities should be consulted to determine whether or not animals may be vaccinated earlier than 16 weeks of age.

  • MUST BE VACCINATED BY: There is no State requirement; any maximum age requirements to vaccinate an animal against rabies would be determined at the local/county level. 

Following administration of the initial dose of rabies vaccine, when is an animal considered to be "currently vaccinated"?

• 28 days following administration of the initial dose of rabies vaccine. This applies regardless of the animal’s age at the time the initial dose is administered.  

  The Colorado Rabies Resource Guide (Last updated November 26, 2012) states that a dog, cat or ferret is considered currently vaccinated 28 days after the primary rabies vaccination, when vaccinated in accordance with the latest version of the Compendium of Animal Rabies Control and Prevention. [Colorado Rabies Resource Guide (CRRG), November 2012, p34] 

What criteria constitute "currently vaccinated" against rabies?

• The term “currently vaccinated” is commonly used within the context of state laws affecting rabies vaccination and control. Within the US, an animal that is “currently vaccinated” must meet EACH of the following criteria.  

  The animal must be vaccinated:

  • ...with a USDA licensed rabies vaccine.

  • ...with a vaccine that is within the labeled expiration date.

  • ...by an individual who is authorized to administer rabies vaccine.
    (NOTE: requirements vary significantly among states-see FAQ #2 for the requirement in this state).

  • ...at the appropriate age, interval, and dose (i.e., the FULL dose, as stipulated on the manufacturer’s label, must be administered). 

Is there an extended-duration (beyond 3 years) rabies vaccine available today? (see also Question #10)

• USDA licensed rabies vaccines available for administration to animals residing with the US are only 1-Year or 3-Year labeled vaccines. 4-YEAR labeled rabies vaccines have been discontinued and are no longer recognized in the US.  

  In Colorado, a veterinarian has the discretion to administer a 1-Year or 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine as THE INITIAL DOSE. However, re-vaccination (booster) is required 1 year following the initial dose...regardless of the animal’s age and regardless of the vaccine administered as the initial dose.  

  RE-VACCINATION of DOGS and CATS: When re-vaccinating (booster) against rabies, the duration that a dog or cat is considered “currently vaccinated” is strictly determined by the product label of the last vaccine administered (i.e., either 1 year or 3 years).  

What are the rabies vaccination requirements for a dog/cat imported from another state or country?

• Dogs and cats imported into Colorado from another US State need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by an accredited veterinarian within 30 days prior to entry, stating that the cat/dog is free from exposure to rabies. All cats and dogs over 3 months of age are to be vaccinated for rabies prior to entry into Colorado and must be current on their vaccination.  

  Ferrets must have a CVI issued by an accredited veterinarian within 30 days of entry, but there is no rabies vaccination requirement to import ferrets into Colorado. 

  Importation from another country has the same requirements as importation from another state. 

  The Colorado Dept of Agriculture (CDA) website page provides information on international importation of both dogs and cats. 

• NOTE: Dogs and cats coming into Colorado from other countries must meet up to 4 sets of import requirements:

  • Colorado import requirements 

  • Port of entry state import requirements 

  • Airline requirements (vary by carrier)

  • CDC import requirements (although CDC importation requirements specifically address the dog, Colorado applies the same requirement to cats being imported from an international location.

• NOTE: The Colorado Dept of Agriculture website now has a form in which one selects the state or country and then the species to be imported into Colorado. It then takes one to a page for that specific species (separate pages for dogs, cats and ferrets). The “Animal Import Requirements” form is found at: https://ag.colorado.gov/animals  

  The requirements for cats and dogs imported from another state are the same. They are:
  *Please note, the VS Form 7001 is NOT accepted as a CVI for interstate travel to Colorado for any small animals.

  • Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by an accredited veterinarian within 30 days prior to entry and stating that the dogs/cats are free from exposure to rabies. Dogs/cats imported into a state Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA) Licensed Facility are required to have a CVI within 10 days of entry.

  • Rabies vaccination current, for all dogs/cats greater than 3 months of age
    **For Colorado Origin animals traveling to states that do not require a CVI and returning to Colorado:

    • If return to Colorado is within 30 days from departure, no CVI is required for return

    • If return to Colorado is greater than 30 days from departure, a CVI will be required to return to Colorado 

• For Ferrets, the import requirements are: 

  Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by an accredited veterinarian within 30 days prior to entry. Ferrets imported into PACFA Licensed Facilities are required to have a CVI within 10 days of entry. 

  *Please note, the VS Form 7001 is NOT accepted as a CVI for interstate travel to Colorado for any small animals. 

  Requirements for dogs, cats and ferrets imported from another country are: 
  https://ag.colorado.gov/animals/small-animal-international-imports

  Dogs and Cats:

  • Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by an accredited veterinarian within 30 days prior to entry and stating that the dogs are free from exposure to rabies.

  • Rabies vaccination needs to be current, and administered prior to entry into Colorado for all dogs greater than 3 months of age. 

• Ferrets: 

  • Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by an accredited veterinarian within 30 days prior to entry. 

Can a 3-year labeled rabies vaccine be substituted for a 1-year labeled rabies vaccine when administering the initial dose?

• There is no state requirement; unless specifically specified at the local/county level, veterinarians should assume they have discretion to administer either a 1-Year or a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine as the initial dose. 

  NOTE: if administering a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine as the initial rabies vaccine dose, a booster dose must still be administered within 1 year, regardless of the animal age at the time the initial dose is administered. 

What are the re-vaccination requirements for a pet that is overdue for a required rabies booster? (4 parts)

• When is an animal considered to be "overdue" for a rabies booster?

  • An animal is considered “overdue”, and NOT currently vaccinated, if just one day beyond the labeled duration of the last rabies vaccine administered (1 year or 3 years).  

    The exception to this rule is that an animal is considered “overdue” after just one year following the initial rabies vaccine dose, regardless of the vaccine labeling.  

    The Colorado Dept of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Rabies Management Algorithm defines “overdue vaccination booster” as a pet that has had one or more documented rabies vaccinations with the last vaccine given more than 28 days previously, but it is not current based on the manufacturer’s specified time frame. [CDPHE Rabies Management Algorithm, July 2016] 

• Following re-vaccination of an "overdue" animal, when is the animal considered to be "currently vaccinated"?

  • A dog or cat that is overdue for a rabies vaccine is considered “immediately currently vaccinated” at the time the animal is re-vaccinated. 

    This rule applies despite the time that has lapsed since administration of the previous dose of rabies vaccine.  

• When re-vaccinating the “overdue” patient, which vaccine must be used (1-Year or 3-Year labeled vaccine)?

  • There is no State-level requirement. It can be assumed that, in Colorado, veterinarians may use discretion in administering either a 1-Year or a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine to an animal that is considered ‘overdue’. 

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • It can be assumed that, in Colorado, following re-vaccination, administration of the next dose is determined by the product label, ie either 1 year or 3 years later. 

Can a "positive" rabies antibody titer substitute for a required booster dose?

• No. Within the United States, a rabies antibody titer is NOT recognized as an index of immunity (or protection) in lieu of vaccination.  

  NOTE: A “positive” rabies titer from a certified laboratory only means that the animal (at the time of travel) has been “adequately vaccinated” against rabies and meets the rabies vaccination requirement of that country/region at the time of importation. 

  For a current list of importation requirements by country see: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel or Search: APHIS Pet Travel 

What constitutes rabies "exposure" in a pet?

• A pet is considered exposed if there was direct physical contact with a rabies reservoir species (RRS) ... e.g. bat was attached to the pet, bat was in the pet's mouth, a pet ate all or part of the bat ... or, if the circumstances strongly indicate physical contact occurred. Examples include: “dog standing next to bat barking at it, cat stalking or playing with the bat, finding a dead bat where a cat usually deposits its prey, saliva or bite wounds on the RRS, finding a partially consumed bat or other RRS, finding dead skunk in yard with dog.” [CRRG, November 2012, p37] 

  Examples that are NOT considered exposure include: “a pet in the vicinity of a bat but unaware of its presence; a bat found on the property but the pet was in another area; a dead RRS found in a place the pet couldn’t access; a live, roosting bat on the property exhibiting normal behavior or other evidence that suggests contact was unlikely (elderly or debilitated pet).” [CRRG, November 2012, p37] 

  *State policy approves the above statements. Local public health agencies and/or animal control have final determination of what is considered an exposure. 

Who has the authority to determine if a pet has been exposed to rabies?

• State Response Pending 

What are the consequences of rabies "exposure" in a pet that is "currently vaccinated"? (see also FAQ #6 and #13)

• Colorado follows the recommendations outlined in the 2016 Rabies Compendium: a currently vaccinated pet that is exposed to rabies shall receive a rabies vaccine booster immediately (defined as within 96 hours of the exposure) and observed at home for 45 days. [CDPHE Rabies Management Algorithm, July 2016] 

What are the consequences of rabies "exposure" in a pet that is not "currently vaccinated"? (see also FAQ #6 and #13)

• Three variations must be considered in determining management of the exposed animal.

  • Unvaccinated (ie, has NEVER been vaccinated against rabies):

    • Based on recommendations of the 2016 NASPHV Rabies Compendium, a pet that has never been vaccinated for rabies, or has no documentation of a previous rabies vaccination, shall be euthanized. 

      Alternatively, the animal may be quarantined for 120 days, with the first 90 days of quarantine done at a secured facility; the final 30 days may be done at home. The pet shall be vaccinated with a licensed rabies vaccine on days 0, 21 and 60 of the quarantine period. 

      The 2016 CDPHE Rabies Algorithm defines “home quarantine” as physically confining a pet to the owner’s property by a fence, chain, cage, other physical restraint, or confined indoors. The animal shall not leave the property except to be transported for veterinary care. Contact with people and other animals should be minimized. If the owner is unable or fails to comply, the pet should be impounded for the remainder of the quarantine period. [CDPHE Rabies Management Algorithm, July 2016] 

  • Is OVERDUE for a booster, and has documentation of prior vaccination:

    • If exposed, but OVERDUE for a rabies booster: A cat or dog that is overdue for a rabies booster but has documentation of a previous rabies vaccination shall be boostered immediately (within 96 hours of the exposure) and observed at home for a MINIMUM of 45 days. This is to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with the possibility of additional requirements. Check with the animal control officer or local public health agency. [CDPHE Rabies Management Algorithm, July 2016] 

      Pets under “home observation” are to be monitored by their owner for signs consistent with rabies. The animal may leave the home property if under physical control of the owner. The animal may not be sold, given away, or boarded without prior approval. [CDPHE Rabies Management Algorithm, July 2011. 

  • Is OVERDUE for a booster, but DOES NOT HAVE documentation of vaccination:

    • Pets that have no documentation of a previous rabies vaccination may be considered for prospective serological monitoring, upon consultation with the local public health agency. The pet shall be considered unvaccinated until the titer test results are available. [CDPHE Rabies Management Algorithm, July 2016] 

Does Colorado recognize the results of Prospective Serologic Monitoring (PSM) as valid documentation that a dog/cat has been previously vaccinated against rabies?

• State Response Pending 

  Prospective Serologic Monitoring (PSM) is a defined testing protocol specifically indicated for use in dogs & cats (ONLY) that have been determined (by public health or rabies control authorities) to be “exposed” to rabies (See also FAQs #12 and #13 in this section) yet, the owner is unable to provide valid documentation of recent rabies vaccination.  

  NOTE: the PSM testing protocol and submission requirements are strictly defined and must be adhered to. The PSM testing protocol is available at:
  http://www.nasphv.org/Documents/NASPHVSerologicMonitoring2016.pdf 

  Indications for PSM: Applies ONLY to dogs and cats. 

  WHERE PSM is ALLOWED BY THE STATE or LOCAL JURISDICTION, all the following criteria must apply:

  • the dog/cat has been exposed to a confirmed or suspected rabid animal (as determined by public health or designated rabies control authorities); and,

  • the owner cannot provide valid documentation of previous vaccination (with a USDA Licensed vaccine); and,

  • the owner of the dog/cat that is determined to have been “exposed” to rabies (see questions #12 and #13) wants to avoid euthanasia or the expense of strict quarantine (usually 4 months or 6 months, depending on the state); and,

  • the animal can be managed by a veterinarian who is able to conduct the PSM protocol.

• NOTE: Please check the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians website at www.nasphv.org for the most current guidance on the testing protocol prior to any sample collection. 

  NOTE: properly labelled, paired specimens are required. Do not send samples separately. Both serum samples should be received by the laboratory at the same time. 

What action is required if an animal that is "currently vaccinated" bites a person? (see also FAQ #6)

• The animal causing a bite injury to a person is required to be quarantined for 10 DAYS. 

  This requirement is the same whether the biting animal is currently vaccinated or is not vaccinated.  

  (NOTE: THE LOCATION IN WHICH THE ANIMAL IS QUARANTINED MAY BE DETERMINED BY LOCAL RABIES CONTROL AUTHORITIES). 

  DO NOT VACCINATE the animal prior to beginning the 10-day confinement. REASON: a reaction to vaccination could be confused with early signs of rabies. 

  The bite shall be reported to the local health department or county health officer within 24 hours. Dogs, cats and ferrets that bite a human shall be quarantined and observed for 10 days. 

  The animal is NOT to be vaccinated for rabies until the completion of the observation period. 

  Depending on circumstances of the bite and local animal control policies, the quarantine may take place at the local animal shelter, a private kennel, veterinary clinic, or at the owner’s home, provided that the animal remains confined to the owner’s property. The owner is responsible for all costs. [CRRG, November 2012, p 15-17] 

  In some cases, local health authorities may determine that euthanasia and rabies testing will be required. Examples include: the owner requests euthanasia and testing, the animal shows neurological signs consistent with rabies, the animal is injured or ill and not likely to survive ten days, or the animal is feral and unmanageable. [CRRG, November 2012, p16-17] 

What action is required if an animal that is "not currently vaccinated" bites a person? (see also FAQ #6)

• The animal causing a bite injury to a person is required to be quarantined for 10 DAYS. 

  This requirement is the same whether the biting animal is currently vaccinated or is not vaccinated.  

  (NOTE: THE LOCATION IN WHICH THE ANIMAL IS QUARANTINED MAY BE DETERMINED BY LOCAL RABIES CONTROL AUTHORITIES). 

  DO NOT VACCINATE the animal prior to beginning the 10-day confinement. REASON: a reaction to vaccination could be confused with early signs of rabies. 

  The bite shall be reported to the local health department or county health officer within 24 hours. Dogs, cats and ferrets that bite a human shall be quarantined and observed for 10 days. 

  The animal is NOT to be vaccinated for rabies until the completion of the observation period. 

  Depending on circumstances of the bite and local animal control policies, the quarantine may take place at the local animal shelter, a private kennel, veterinary clinic, or at the owner’s home, provided that the animal remains confined to the owner’s property. The owner is responsible for all costs. [CRRG, November 2012, p 15-17] 

  In some cases, local health authorities may determine that euthanasia and rabies testing will be required. Examples include: the owner requests euthanasia and testing, the animal shows neurological signs consistent with rabies, the animal is injured or ill and not likely to survive ten days, or the animal is feral and unmanageable. [CRRG, November 2012, p16-17] 

As a licensed veterinarian, do you have the authority to exempt an animal from the legal requirement to be vaccinated against rabies? (eg., for medical reasons)

• YES.  

  Pursuant to the rules of the health department, a veterinarian, licensed in Colorado, may issue a written waiver if vaccination is contraindicated due to the animal’s medical condition. The veterinarian must first have WRITTEN consent from the animal’s owner. [CRS 25-4-607(3)(a-b)] 

  The Colorado Rules and Regulations further specifies that:

  • There must be a veterinary-client-patient relationship established;

  • The veterinarian signs the veterinary section and the owner signs the informed consent section of the Exemption from Rabies Vaccination Form;

  • The veterinarian retains the signed exemption as part of the animal’s medical record and provides a copy to the owner;

  • When requested, the veterinarian provides a copy of the exemption form to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the local health department or animal control agency;

  • The exemption is limited to the anticipated duration of the medical condition that precludes the rabies vaccination, not to exceed three years. If the condition persists beyond three years, a new waiver must be issued;

  • If a complaint is received regarding the validity of the rabies waiver, the executive director of CDPHE may review the exemption forms and medical records to determine the legitimacy of the waiver. The executive director may refer the case to the State Board of Veterinary Medicine. 
    [Revised State of Colorado Rules and Regulations, 6 CCR 1009-1; Section 8]

• *The medical waiver is specific for vaccination ordinances. Animals that have a medical waiver that are exposed to rabies will be treated as unvaccinated or overdue. 

At what age is it no longer necessary to vaccinate an animal against rabies?

• Within states that require rabies vaccine be administered, re-vaccination is required throughout life at the appropriate interval for the species indicated by State or local laws/regulations. Exemption is not authorized on the basis of age alone. 

Is rabies vaccination of a hybrid or exotic pet allowed or recognized?

• In Colorado, the only hybrid vaccination protocol is for wolf-dog hybrids. 

  There is no law requiring (or forbidding) vaccination of wolf-dog hybrids, and the decision is left to the veterinarian and owner. Prior to vaccination, the owner should sign a consent form that acknowledges: 

  • the efficacy of the rabies vaccine is unknown;

  • following a bite injury to a human, the hybrid species is not managed in the same way a dog is, regardless of vaccination status;

  • a hybrid species that is exposed to a known or suspected rabid animal could be subject to euthanasia, regardless of vaccination status;

  • a release from liability of the veterinarian, their staff, health department, vaccine manufacturer, etc.

• The owner’s claim that the animal is a wolf-dog hybrid should be recorded on the vaccination certificate. If the owner refuses to sign the consent form, the hybrid should not be vaccinated. 

  If the vaccinated hybrid is exposed to a rabid or potentially rabid animal, it should be euthanized (preferred action). If the owner refuses, the hybrid must be quarantined for 6 months at an animal shelter, veterinarian’s office or kennel (at the owner’s expense)... home quarantine is NOT acceptable. 
   
  If the vaccinated hybrid bites a human, it should be euthanized, particularly if the hybrid lives in an area where rabies is endemic in the wildlife, and the hybrid has had opportunity to contact the wildlife in the past 6 months. If the owner refuses euthanasia, and the hybrid has been in captivity for more than 6 months in an area where rabies is not endemic, there is no known exposure to rabies, and the animal is not exhibiting any signs of rabies, then quarantine for, arbitrarily, 30 days in an animal shelter, veterinarian’s office or kennel (at owner’s expense) may be considered. 

  The bite victim must agree to the observation period versus euthanasia and testing; if not, then the hybrid shall be euthanized and tested for rabies. Previous rabies vaccination is not a sufficient criterion to quarantine a wolf-dog hybrid involved in a human bite. 

At the State level, what authority does the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control carry?

• The Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control is published by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc. Recommendations outlined in the latest version of the Compendium serve as a basis for animal rabies prevention and control programs throughout the United States and facilitate standardization of procedures among jurisdictions. As published, the Compendium is not a statutory document. 

  NOTE: many (but not all) States have recently revised rabies laws/regulations by citing designated recommendations outlined in the latest version of the Compendium. Where cited in law, published recommendations do serve as the legal basis for patient management decisions made in practice as they concern rabies and rabies vaccination.  

  Compendium recommendations, if included as legal requirements for this state, are reflected in the FAQs listed within this section.