One year or three year rabies?

[Ellie May]

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.

In some states (Michigan) it is not against the law to get a waiver from your vet. You will just have problems if there is any question about the dog being exposed to rabies or biting.




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've never seen these statistics. What I have read is that rabies is the vaccine most likely to cause a reaction (Dr. Ronald Schultz, Professor of Immunology, WSU). There is also a report that is circling that internet that between 2004 and 2007 10,000 adverse effects were reported from the rabies vaccine. Over 500 were death. Someone that used to be with the FDA estimated that only 1% of serious side effects were reported. So I find rabies to be a risky vaccine in some cases, especially for small dogs.

[Pettysmith]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

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

Thank you for posting the Tennessee laws. I have them posted in my office at the clinic and I know them well. A dog that has been exposed to a rabid animal is definitely a different story and presents a whole different set of rules. I was referring to family pets (such as our yorkies) who live in a controlled environment and will probably never be exposed to a rabid animal. I do know also, that it is very hard to prove that a dog or cat has been exposed to a rabid animal unless he/she happens to bring home a dead bat, raccoon, etc. I am not saying that any person who has been bitten by our little furbutts would ask to have them euthanized and tested. I am just saying with the laws the way they are, they do have that right.