Rabies reminders: do this, not that

Publish Date

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health would like to remind veterinarians of the following considerations when preventing, evaluating and addressing rabies cases with clients.

Certificate of Veterinary Inspection

A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for rabies vaccination must include the following information:

  1. Rabies vaccine manufacturer.
  2. Serial number of the vaccine (not a lot number).
  3. Date of administration.
  4. Vaccine expiration date.

This information must be included on the CVI because Minnesota does not accept rabies certificates for interstate domestic imports of animals. The CVI serves as proof of rabies vaccination and therefore the same details as a rabies certificate need to be on the CVI.

International travelers are required to have the same information on the CVI, and a rabies certificate. Please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the latest changes to international import rules for dogs. 

Testing specimens for rabies infection

Rabies testing requires an intact brain for a usable sample to be taken. To keep samples viable, veterinarians should take the following precautions when preparing, storing and shipping a sample to the testing facility:

  1. Clients should be advised not to kill animals by shooting or damaging the head, or by smashing heads in order to preserve the brain for testing.
  2. Brains, especially bats', deteriorate and become untestable within hours if left in warm summer temperatures. 
  3. Specimens should be kept at refrigerator (not freezer) temperatures to maintain tissue and sample quality.
  4. Euthanized animals should be allowed to cool at fridge temp before placing in bags. Bags trap heat and deteriorate brain tissue, especially for larger animals (i.e., dogs).
  5. Request next day delivery and do not ship over the weekend if utilizing a delivery service. If the specimen is collected on a Friday, keep the specimen cool and ship on the next business day that allows next-day delivery. Call the Board or Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) if urgent testing is needed.

Skunks are high risk

Due to warmer weather, skunk sightings in relation to rabies cases are on the rise. Veterinarians should advise clients of the following precautions regarding skunks and skunk behavior:

  1. Skunks and bats are of highest concern for rabies in Minnesota.
  2. Skunks should be avoided if seen during the daytime (dawn to dusk).
  3. Clients should vaccinate/booster any pets that have contact with or are sprayed by a skunk.
  4. Report skunk incidents to the Board, which investigates all skunk encounters.

For all questions regarding pets or livestock that may have been exposed to rabies, contact the Board at 651-201-6808. The Board created a brochure called Rabies: Animals, People & Testing and encourages veterinarians to print and share with their clients.

Post-exposure prophylaxis

In the event of exposure to a wild animal suspected of rabies infection, or a bite from a domestic animal, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can and should be administered as soon as possible after the incident. You do not need to wait for test results or consult the Board before speaking with your health care provider.

MDH has 24/7 telephone consultation on potential rabies exposure for veterinarians, healthcare providers and law enforcement. Rabies consultations are available to the public Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. at 651-201-5414.

For more information, visit www.bah.state.mn.us. Contact the Board at 651-201-6808 for questions or concerns regarding pet and livestock exposure. Contact the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-5414 for questions or concerns regarding human exposure.

Minnesota does not have a comprehensive statewide law requiring rabies vaccination in domestic animals. While we work to get legislation passed to protect animals with vaccinations, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health recommends all dogs, cats, ferrets, cattle, sheep, and horses be vaccinated against rabies virus. In the event an animal is exposed or potentially exposed, animals should receive a rabies vaccination booster within 72 hours of exposure.