Rabies and the “Must Know” Issues | A Vet 2 Vet Conversation

Rabies remains a significant threat globally and has been designated a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) by the World Health Organization (WHO). (NTDs are a group of 20 conditions that are caused by a variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins, and are mainly prevalent in tropical areas, where they affect more than 1 billion people who live in impoverished communities.) Fortunately, here in the United States, compliance with fundamental rabies vaccination requirements of healthy dogs and cats, as required by state and local jurisdictions, is generally quite high. However, there are unique requirements often overlooked by veterinary practitioners in places within individual states that dictate administration of rabies vaccinations. In addition to reviewing those requirements, this Vet 2 Vet video conversation will examine the legal definition of “exposure” to rabies virus; who can, and cannot, make the determination of “exposure”; and what constitutes human exposure. Answers to questions that veterinarians may not know regarding rabies and rabies vaccine laws will also be discussed.