One year or three year rabies?

[Ellie May]

While I fully support the Rabies challenge Fund, everyone should know that due to the risk to humans, some or all of these animals will be euthanized at the end of the study. I know some people aren't okay with that, so thought I should say something.

[PennysMum]

This made me chuckle when I read it, because it is 100% true...

At the clinic I used to work for before I moved out here, we were on the border between two states. One of the states required yearly rabies vaccinations, the other state allowed 3 year vaccinations. We would, honestly and truthfully, just draw up the same vaccine from the same vial regardless of which state the owners lived in-- the only difference was in the paperwork. It was the exact same vaccine, just the stupid law in state A required their dogs to be vaccinated three times as often as the sensible law in state B.

[meladori]

As far as I am aware, rabies vaccination only has to be given every 3 years in NYS. I don't have my Yorkie yet but I have three cats who also have to be vaccinated against rabies as per NYS law. My cats are vaccinated every three years. The NYS DOH website indicates that rabies vacination is to be done on dogs, cats and ferrets annually or every three years depending upon the vaccine administered. So, I asked my vet to give my cats 3 year vaccines and she obliged.

[Pettysmith]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Unless your vet will write a medical waiver saying that he isn't well enough to be vaccinated for whatever reason (could just be that he reacts to vaccines and that is sufficient for a waiver), it has to be done every 2 years by law in NY. Titers aren't an acceptable replacement for rabies vaccines and if something happens and he isn't UTD, he may get fined and he may get quarantined and a rabies test may need to be done (it is done after euthanasia on brain tissue). All a waiver does is protect you from the fine... Plesae be careful about just skipping it...

Ellie is correct here. IF your dog bites someone they have the option of asking that it be quarantined and that usually has to be at a vet's office which can be very costly; or they can ask for the animal to be tested. The only way to test is by euthanasia and all that is sent in to be tested is the head (brain tissue). So, PLEASE be careful about just skipping it. Laws were made to be obeyed.

Originally Posted by Ladymom

In New York, you are can get a waiver from your vet and skip the rabies vaccine if it could be harmful to your dog due to a medical conditon. Unfortunately, it is only a piece of paper stating that you are not in violation of the law. If your dog is exposed to rabies or bites someone, he will have to be quarantined and even risk euthanasia.

True, I have seen it happen first hand. We had a Lab at our clinic, bit an owner's child - the child was in the dogs yard and came up to the dog who was in a pen outside. The child's parent wanted the dog tested. We had to euthanize and send the head to the University to be tested. Was a bad situation for everyone.

Originally Posted by PennysMum

This made me chuckle when I read it, because it is 100% true...

At the clinic I used to work for before I moved out here, we were on the border between two states. One of the states required yearly rabies vaccinations, the other state allowed 3 year vaccinations. We would, honestly and truthfully, just draw up the same vaccine from the same vial regardless of which state the owners lived in-- the only difference was in the paperwork. It was the exact same vaccine, just the stupid law in state A required their dogs to be vaccinated three times as often as the sensible law in state B.

Your state/county laws is where the blame needs to start. Not with your veterinarian.

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by ARCHIE

Sorry I should have said the teter for the yearly shots not the rabie.
I find it strange that NYS has changed their policy regarding 3yr rabie
shot. All my dogs in the past were never given the rabie shot until
the three yr experation date. NY will do anything to make a buck!
If the three yr shot is good enough for other states than it should
be good enough for NY. You can't help but wonder if it is about
money.

The New York law hasn't changed. Section 2141 still states that dogs must be vaccinated before four months of age, then within one year after that, and then have boosters "compliance with USDA licenses of vaccines used". In other words, if the last booster was labeled a three year vaccine, then she wouldn't need another one for three years, but if it was only labeled one year, then it would have to be boosted in a year. Ridiculous since it's the same vaccine, but that's the way the law is written. She must not have gotten the so-called three year vaccine last time.

§ 2141. Compulsory vaccination.

1. Every dog, cat and domesticated ferret shall be actively immunized against rabies in accordance with regulations promulgated by the commissioner. Every dog, cat and domesticated ferret shall have all initial vaccinations administered no later than four months after birth. Every dog, cat and domesticated ferret shall have a second vaccination within one year of the first. Terms of subsequent vaccine administration and duration of immunity must be in compliance with USDA licenses of vaccines used. The veterinarian immunizing or supervising any person authorized by law to immunize such animal shall provide the owner with a certificate of immunization consistent with the requirements of section one hundred nine of the agriculture and markets law. The veterinarian immunizing or supervising any person authorized by law to immunize such animal shall provide any public health official with the certificate of immunization in any case involving a dog, cat or domesticated ferret which has been or may have been exposed to rabies or in any case of possible exposure of a person or another animal to rabies.

[Gypsysdc]

The vets are making our babies sick from all these shots they want to give. Our breeder had told us that the 3 yr rabies was the same as the one year -- so I've given that to my babies --- but last week my brother in law's PUG died at the vet's office right after being given her rabies shot. She was a perfectly healthy 3 year old pug -- so sad. My vet told me that she wouldn't give me the rabies shot if I didn't want it -- she will just fill out the paperwork for me. It's between you and your vet -- Find a holistic vet who won't force you to give all these shots!

[ElaineE]

Wow! You don't want to applaud her for her honesty? Its not her fault what the county requires! I think that's very interesting, and it doesn't sur[rise me in the least. My vey has always been very food with alternative options, but never told me that. It only makes sense to me. You have to comply with the county, or you risk jail time!! At least that's the way it is here!

[MyFairLacy]

Originally Posted by Pettysmith

True, I have seen it happen first hand. We had a Lab at our clinic, bit an owner's child - the child was in the dogs yard and came up to the dog who was in a pen outside. The child's parent wanted the dog tested. We had to euthanize and send the head to the University to be tested. Was a bad situation for everyone.
.

Are you serious?? Someone can force you to euthanize your dog to test it? I thought they would always just quarantine. Can they do this with a dog that is up-to-date with rabies vaccines or is this just for unvaccinated dogs?

That really angers me...some kid walks into YOUR yard and goes up to YOUR dog and gets bit and then the parent can have the dog killed. That is rediculous. I'd be sueing or something in return (i'd probably be threatening to kill THEM honestly)..that is crazy

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy

Are you serious?? Someone can force you to euthanize your dog to test it? I thought they would always just quarantine. Can they do this with a dog that is up-to-date with rabies vaccines or is this just for unvaccinated dogs?

That really angers me...some kid walks into YOUR yard and goes up to YOUR dog and gets bit and then the parent can have the dog killed. That is rediculous. I'd be sueing or something in return (i'd probably be threatening to kill THEM honestly)..that is crazy

She was referring to dogs who have a waiver from their vet. All that does is keep you from being in violation of the law and paying a fine. If your dog bites someone or is exposed to rabies, he will be treated like any other unvaccinated dog and either quarantined or euthanized for testing.

In New York the quarantine is six months. That would be done if a dog has been exposed to rabies. In dog bite cases most likely he would be euthanized immediately.

[Lou]

Wow! This sure has been an informative thread. I had no idea!
I do hope we can do something to change the laws in our individual states. Adie and Skeeter had their 3-year a few days ago and are none the worse for it but Adie's little leg was sore for a couple of days. Now I find out they could have a reaction as for off as 45 days! I would seriously think about refusing them in the future but haven't found a groomer that doesn't require evidence of up-to-date rabies vaccination yet!

[Pettysmith]

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy

Are you serious?? Someone can force you to euthanize your dog to test it? I thought they would always just quarantine. Can they do this with a dog that is up-to-date with rabies vaccines or is this just for unvaccinated dogs?

That really angers me...some kid walks into YOUR yard and goes up to YOUR dog and gets bit and then the parent can have the dog killed. That is rediculous. I'd be sueing or something in return (i'd probably be threatening to kill THEM honestly)..that is crazy

I was referring only to dogs that are not vaccinated or who have a waiver from their vet. Either one of these is disobeying the law. Having an animal quarantined is the normal procedure, BUT the person who was bitten has the right to request rabies testing if the dog is not up to date. If that person does not want to sit around and wait thru the quarantine period to see if the animal exhibits symptoms of rabies, then yes, the only way to find out asap is testing. And yes, if someone walks in my yard and my dog bites them it would probably be their fault, but if I have not followed the laws, the dog would be the one who would pay. If the dogs are kept up to date as the law states, there is no question, no quarantine, and no rabies testing.

Originally Posted by Ladymom

She was referring to dogs who have a waiver from their vet. All that does is keep you from being in violation of the law and paying a fine. If your dog bites someone or is exposed to rabies, he will be treated like any other unvaccinated dog and either quarantined or euthanized for testing.

In New York the quarantine is six months. That would be done if a dog has been exposed to rabies. In dog bite cases most likely he would be euthanized immediately.

Correct. Here in Tennessee it is only 10 days. Most of the vet clinics (including us) charge a lot more than the normal boarding fee to quarantine. Six months could get real expensive. FYI, the statistics state that there is a lot less chance of a dog having a reaction to a rabies shot than a DHLPPC or a DHPP (no lepto). If you had ever seen an animal with rabies (I have) you would be much more aware about making sure your babies are protected. It is not a pretty sight.

[MyFairLacy]

Originally Posted by Pettysmith

I was referring only to dogs that are not vaccinated or who have a waiver from their vet. Either one of these is disobeying the law. Having an animal quarantined is the normal procedure, BUT the person who was bitten has the right to request rabies testing if the dog is not up to date. If that person does not want to sit around and wait thru the quarantine period to see if the animal exhibits symptoms of rabies, then yes, the only way to find out asap is testing. And yes, if someone walks in my yard and my dog bites them it would probably be their fault, but if I have not followed the laws, the dog would be the one who would pay. If the dogs are kept up to date as the law states, there is no question, no quarantine, and no rabies testing.

Correct. Here in Tennessee it is only 10 days. Most of the vet clinics (including us) charge a lot more than the normal boarding fee to quarantine. Six months could get real expensive. FYI, the statistics state that there is a lot less chance of a dog having a reaction to a rabies shot than a DHLPPC or a DHPP (no lepto). If you had ever seen an animal with rabies (I have) you would be much more aware about making sure your babies are protected. It is not a pretty sight.

I feel like our dogs are paying regardless....vaccinating every three years is still too much. Overvaccination is harming our dogs. We may not see an immediate issue but in many cases dogs are hurt long-term by all these vaccines. I believe vaccines are wonderful and necessary to prevent deadly diseases such as parvo, distempter and rabies, but I truly believe they are protected for a very long time (and probably life) after their one year boosters. To continue vaccinating is so unneccessary and unfair for the dogs. There are so many health problems that are being linked to vaccines...I so hope the rabies challenge can do something about this soon..

Many dogs are at an EXTREMELY low risk to being exposed to rabies. It is the law to protect people, not the dogs. Most of our toy breed dogs have hardly any chance of being exposed. I worry more about the affects the vaccines have on them than them ever being at risk of getting rabies. it's just really not fair

[YoRkiE Te aMo]

***I worry more about the affects the vaccines have on them than them ever being at risk of getting rabies.***

[YoRkiE Te aMo]

Not just the Vaccines...then there is the heartworm meds ..flea & tick stuff...artificial food & treats...and tooth cleaners...pesticides & fertilizers on lawns..and the list goes on and on and i do think it affects life expectancy of our Little Ones ! We are Killing them with kindness

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by Pettysmith

I was referring only to dogs that are not vaccinated or who have a waiver from their vet. Either one of these is disobeying the law. Having an animal quarantined is the normal procedure, BUT the person who was bitten has the right to request rabies testing if the dog is not up to date. If that person does not want to sit around and wait thru the quarantine period to see if the animal exhibits symptoms of rabies, then yes, the only way to find out asap is testing. And yes, if someone walks in my yard and my dog bites them it would probably be their fault, but if I have not followed the laws, the dog would be the one who would pay. If the dogs are kept up to date as the law states, there is no question, no quarantine, and no rabies testing.




Correct. Here in Tennessee it is only 10 days. Most of the vet clinics (including us) charge a lot more than the normal boarding fee to quarantine. Six months could get real expensive. FYI, the statistics state that there is a lot less chance of a dog having a reaction to a rabies shot than a DHLPPC or a DHPP (no lepto). If you had ever seen an animal with rabies (I have) you would be much more aware about making sure your babies are protected. It is not a pretty sight.

The 10 day quarantine only applies to dog bites. According to section 1200-14l-.30, if your dog is exposed to rabies and not vaccinated, he will probably be euthanized. A six month quarantine with a revaccination at five months or a 45 day quarantine with immediate vaccination are alternatives most likely for vaccinated animals.

Tennessee State Law Concerning Rabies

1200-14l-.30 RABIES

The definition of "dog," "cat," "owner," and "vaccination" as defined in TCA 68-8-102, shall be applicable in these regulations.

QUARANTINE GUIDELINES

I.

DOG OR CAT BITING HUMAN: 10 DAYS FROM BITE REGARDLESS IF
VACCINATED OR NOT

WILD ANIMAL BITING HUMAN: EUTHINIZE AND TEST

II. DOG OR CAT EXPOSED TO RABID ANIMAL:

A. 1ST CHOICE: EUTHANISE (Unless well Vaccinated)

B. ALTERNATIVES:

1. UNVACCINATED OR (?)

a. EUTHANISE

b. SIX MONTH QUARANTINE -STRICTLY ENFORCED

-REVACCINATE AT 5 MO.

2. VACCINATED

-REVACCINATE IMMED. 5% WILL DEVELOP IF VACCINATED

-45 DAY QUARANTINE

III. OTHER DOMESTIC ANIMALS EXPOSED TO RABID ANIMAL

A. EUTHANISE

B. SIX MONTH QUARANTINE