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.

                          1200-14-l-.3 I PUBLlC RABIES VACCINATION CLINICS.

It shall be the duity of each local health department to provide clinics for the vaccination of dogs and cats against rabies. In addition to the local registration fees as provided for in TCA 68-8, dog and cat owners may be required to pay the cost for each dog and cat vaccinated, which shall include the cost of the vaccine and the services for the vaccination. Nothing herein shall be construed as not permitting a veterinarian to charge his regular fee outside of health department sponsored vaccination clinics.

             1200-14-I-.32 AUTHORIZED RABIES VACCINE SOURCES AND TYPES

It shall be the duty of any person authorized to vaccinate dogs and cats to select and properly use a rabies vaccine of either a killed virus or modified live virus tissue culture type which is licensed by and in accordance with the standards prescribed by the United States Department of Agriculture for interstate sale and use. To insure proper vaccination and to provide proof of current vaccination statis, TCA 68-8 requires that all rabies vaccinations be given by or under the direct supervision of a veterinarian licensed in the State. It shall be prohibited to sell rabies vaccine for use in dogs and cats to persons other than licensed veterinarians unless the purchaser possesses a prescriptioin for the vaccine from a veterinarian duly licensed in Tennessee. These regulations apply only to the rabies vaccinations of domestic dogs and cats. The most recent Compendiuim of Animal Rabies Vaccines published by the Association of State Public Health Veterinarians shall be used as guideline by public health officials and veterinarians for the selection of approved rabies vaccines and their appropriate use (site and route of inoculation, duration of immunity, species application, etc.). A State-furnished rabies vaccination tag and certificate shall be issued to every owner whose dog or cat is vaccinated and a copy of the certificate provided by the veterinarian to the local health department.

       1400-14-l-.33 RABIES VACCINATION SCHEDULE OF DOGS AND CATS

It shall be the duty of every owner to have his dog or cat vaccinated against rabies after the dog reaches three months of age, the cat six months of age. Regardless of the type of licensed vaccine used or the age of the animal at the time of the first (primary) vaccination, the animal shall be revaccinated one year later. Following the first two vaccinations, booster vaccinations will be due at either one or three year intervals in accordance with the approved duration of immunity of the specific vaccine used and the species vaccinated. The required due date for revaccination shall be placed on the certificate by the veterinarian administering the vaccine. As part of their registration and rabies control programs, local jurisdictions may have more stringent requirements, such as annual rabies vaccinations regardless of vaccine type used. For purposes of animal control programs and medical decisions regarding human anti-rabies treatments, a dog or cat shall be considered currently vaccinated only if a valid certificate exists and the revaccination date on the certificate has not been reached.

                             1200-14-l-.34 RABIES VACCINATION CERTIFICATE

The current vaccination certificate identifying the animal, the vaccine used, the due date for revaccination and other information as required in TCA 68-8-104 shall be kept by the person who owns, keeps or harbors the said dog or cat at all times subject to the inspection of the proper county officer. Copies of the current certificate shall also be kept by the local health department and by the veterinarian administering the vaccine.

                                         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