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BOAH > Rabies Information > 2008 Indiana Rabies Guidebook > Animal Management Plan > Exposed Pet with a current rabies vaccination Exposed Pet with a current rabies vaccination

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT PLAN:
EXPOSED PET WITH A CURRENT RABIES VACCINATION



  1. Pet has been bitten or scratched by a dog, cat, or ferret:

    1. Biting animal (dog or cat) is currently vaccinated for rabies:
        (VERY LOW RISK SITUATION)
      • Seek veterinary care for wound, if needed
      • Report incident to local animal control authorities
    2. The biting animal (dog, cat, or ferret) is not currently vaccinated or its vaccination status is unknown, and the biting animal:
      • Is available for 10 days close observation:
        • Seek veterinary care for wounded, if needed
        • Notify local animal control authorities
        • Precautionary rabies booster optional
      • Is not available for 10 days close observation:
        • Proceed as in E


  2. B. Pet exposed to a confirmed rabid animal

    1. PET DOG, CAT, or FERRET exposed:
      • Veterinary care for wound, if needed
      • Rabies booster immediately
      • Notify Board of Animal Health and local animal control
      • Strict confinement for three months
    2. EXOTIC PETS exposed:
      • Other exotics (e.g., wolf hybrids) should be euthanized. If not, Board of Animal Health should be notified


  3. Pet directly exposed to a wild animal or domesticated wildlife (bite, scratch, fight, or carcass contact)

    1. Wild animal is a known rabies reservoir species in Indiana (Bat)
      • Is wild animal available for rabies testing?
          YES: Euthanize and test wild animal (see procedures for submission)
          NO: Presume pet exposed - go to B
    2. Wild animal is not a known rabies reservoir species in Indiana, but is a reservoir in other states (Raccoon, skunk, fox, coyote)
      • Is wild animal available for rabies testing?
          YES: Submit head to state rabies lab for testing (see procedures for submission)
          NO: Consult with Board of Animal Health on likelihood of exposure to rabies and need for rabies booster, observation, or confinement
    3. Wild animal is not a known rabies reservoir species
      • Consult Board of Animal Health on need for rabies testing, likelihood of exposure, and need for observation or confinement
      • Precautionary rabies booster optional


  4. Pet has been bitten or scratched by a domestic pet other than a dog, cat, or ferret

    1. "Pocket pets" (hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs) and rabbits kept indoors:
      • Negligible risk for rabies
      • No specific action needed
    2. Others -- consult Board of Animal Health for advise on a case-by-case basis


  5. Pet has a wound of unknown origin that could have resulted from a bite

    1. Terrestrial rabies (skunk, fox, raccoon, coyote) is present in local area
      • Veterinary care for wound
      • Rabies booster immediately
      • 45 days strict confinement
    2. Terrestrial rabies (skunk, fox, raccoon, coyote) is NOT present in local area
      • Seek veterinary care for wound
      • Precautionary rabies booster optional


  6. Pet potentially exposed by proximity to wildlife, but no direct contact or wounds

    • Low risk situation. No action required.
    • Precautionary rabies booster optional
    • Consider close observation of pet for 45 days

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