SECTION 310:599-3-6. Unvaccinated domestic animals exposed to a rabid animal

(a)   Any dog, cat, or ferret that has never been vaccinated against rabies and is exposed to a rabid animal shall be:

(1)   Euthanized immediately either by a veterinarian of the owner's choice, or the local animal control officer; or

(2)   Placed in strict quarantine and observed for a period of four (4) months for dogs and cats or six (6) months for ferrets under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, either at a veterinary facility or a recognized animal control facility. The exposed animal shall be immediately vaccinated against rabies upon entry into quarantine and then given booster vaccinations at the third and eighth week of the quarantine period. Animals less than 16 weeks of age at the time of entry into quarantine may be required to receive a booster vaccine in addition to the above protocol.

(b)   Any dog or cat that is overdue for a booster vaccination, and has documentation of receiving a USDA-licensed rabies vaccine at least once previously by or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, shall be re-vaccinated and isolated, by leashing or confinement under the owner's supervision, for a period of at least 45 days from exposure date. Ferrets that are overdue for rabies booster vaccination shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Department, taking into consideration factors such as the severity of exposure, time elapsed since last vaccination, number of previous vaccinations, and current health status to determine the need for euthanasia or immediate booster vaccination and isolation for a period of at least 45 days from exposure date.

(c)   Any dog or cat that is overdue for a booster vaccination and without appropriate documentation of having received a USDA-licensed rabies vaccine at least once by or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian shall be:

(1)   Treated as unvaccinated by the Department and either euthanized as described in (a) of this section; or

(2)   Immediately given a booster vaccination and placed in strict quarantine for a period of four months under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian; or

(3)   Prior to booster vaccination, the owner may work with the licensed veterinarian to conduct prospective serologic monitoring. Serologic monitoring shall include collecting paired blood samples to document prior vaccination by providing evidence of an anamnestic response to booster vaccination. If an adequate anamnestic response is documented, the animal can be considered to be overdue for booster vaccination as described in (b) of this section. If there is inadequate anamnestic response, the animal is considered to have never been vaccinated and managed as described in (a) of this section.

(d)   Any livestock or equine animal which is not currently vaccinated and is exposed to a rabid animal will be managed according to the most current Compendium of Animal Rabies Control published by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc. and any State Department of Agriculture guidelines that may apply.

[Source: Added at 14 Ok Reg 3581, eff 7-18-97 (emergency); Added at 15 Ok Reg 2367, eff 6-11-98; Amended at 17 Ok Reg 2945, eff 7-13-00; Amended at 34 Ok Reg 1290, eff 10-1-17]