Rabies Vaccination Policy StatementAll dogs and cats should be immunized against rabies and other communicable diseases deemed necessary by national, state, or local health departments, strict rabies quarantine and/or laboratory analysis of rabies suspect animals should be mandatory, and enforceable by health codes or statutes. BASIS FOR POLICY The National Animal Control Association believes that confirmed cases of rabies in domestic pets and humans has greatly diminished primarily due to successful rabies immunization programs. However, the depletion of natural wildlife areas places common wildlife rabies carriers in closer proximity to domestic pets. This fact makes it more important than ever to consistently expand immunization programs. POLICY RECOMMENDATIONSNACA recommends that animal control agencies work closely with local health departments to educate the public on this important health concern. The prompt, accurate reporting of animal bites, in spite of proof of rabies vaccinations, will provide for thorough observation and/or laboratory testing of the animal involved. Reviewed/Revised by the NACA Corporate Office - 09/17/02 |