New Rabies Control Rules Now In Effect

The Alabama Department of Public Health has announced significant changes to the state’s rabies control rules. The changes, which are now in effect, were made necessary by the enactment of Act 2009-636 by the state legislature. The following sections are highlights of the new rules:

 Exceptions to veterinary confinement and quarantine
Section 420-4-4-.05 permits home quarantine at the discretion of the county health officer if the exposure was provoked and not aggressive, the animal is currently vaccinated against rabies, the owner or responsible party agrees to have the animal examined 10 days following the exposure, the animal is kept in a designated confinement area of the house, the animal is tested for rabies if it dies or exhibits clinical signs suggestive of rabies, and the owner assumes responsibility for the escape or disappearance of the animal.
 Vaccination of ferrets
Section 420-4-4-.06 requires the annual vaccination of any member of the domesticated ferret family.
 Exemption from rabies vaccination
Section 420-4-4-.08 allows a veterinarian to issue to an animal owner a certificate of exemption in lieu of vaccinating the animal if the veterinarian determines vaccination to be contraindicated and may cause death due to an infirmity, corresponding physical condition, or regimen of therapy.

To see all the rabies control rules, go to www.MobileCountyHealth.org and click on “Brochures and Documents.”