NO approved rabies vaccine for wild /exotic animals or pets

[CarolsCritterCare]

What rabies vaccination schedule should I follow for my patients?

Vaccination of dogs, ferrets, and livestock can be started at no sooner than three months of age. Some cat vaccines can be given as early as two months of age. Regardless of the age of the animal at initial vaccination, a booster vaccination should be administered 1 year later.

Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets ~ All dogs, cats, and ferrets should be vaccinated and revaccinated against rabies according to product label directions. If a previously vaccinated animal is overdue for a booster, it should be revaccinated. Immediately following the booster, the animal is considered currently vaccinated and should be placed on a vaccination schedule according to the labeled duration of the vaccine used.

Livestock ~ Consideration should be given to vaccinating livestock that are particularly valuable. Animals that have frequent contact with humans (ex.. in petting zoos, fairs, and other public exhibitions) and horses traveling interstate should be currently vaccinated against rabies.

Confined Animals

Wild ~ No parenteral rabies vaccines are licensed for use in wild animals or hybrids (ex.. the offspring of wild animals crossbred to domestic animals). The AVMA has recommended that wild animals or hybrids should not be kept as pets.

Maintained in Exhibits and in Zoological Parks ~ Captive mammals that are not completely excluded from all contact with rabies vectors can become infected. Also wild animals might be incubating rabies when initially captured ~ therefore, wild-caught animals susceptible to rabies should be quarantined for a minimum of 6 months. Employees who work with animals at exhibits and in zoological parks should receive preexposure rabies vaccination.

The use of pre - or postexposure rabies vaccinations for handlers who work with animals at such facilities might reduce the need for euthanasia of captive animals that expose handlers.

Carnivores and bats should be housed in a manner that precludes direct contact with the public.