According to Centers for Disease Control, veterinary professionals and those who work closely with animals are classified as a category 3 risk for rabies infection and should be immunized according to Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations. This immunization schedule is commonly referred to as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Recommended Immunization Schedule for Veterinary Professionals
Two doses on days zero and seven, plus:
- Either a one-time titer check after one year and up to three years following the first two doses
- Or a one-dose booster between three weeks and three years following the first dose
Bites to Animals
Outdoor dogs or abnormal ferrets
If the biting animal was an outdoor dog or a ferret that appears sick or is behaving abnormally:
- Call DOH-Manatee at 941-714-7593 to determine if testing is recommended.
- If testing is recommended or if biting animal is not available for testing or observation, vaccinate victim animal against rabies.
Confinement Periods for Victim Animal
- 45-day owner observation: If victim animal’s rabies vaccination is up to date (or overdue and receives a prompt booster)
- 120-day quarantine: If victim animal’s rabies vaccination status is unvaccinated or not known
Wild animals or outdoor cats
If the biting animal was a wild animal (raccoon, bat, fox, bobcat, skunk, or otter) or a cat (either outdoor only or indoor/outdoor):
- Test biting animal, if available.
- If positive results, or if biting animal fled, vaccinate victim animal against rabies.
Confinement Periods for Victim Animal
- 45-day owner observation: If victim animal’s rabies vaccination is up to date (or overdue and receives a prompt booster)
- 120-day quarantine: If victim animal’s rabies vaccination status is unvaccinated or not known
Healthy appearing dogs
If an animal is bitten by a dog that appears healthy, the bite should be reported to Manatee County Animal Welfare at 941-742-5933. The victim animal does not need to be confined in this situation.
Small rodents or healthy opossum
If the animal is bitten by a small rodent (rat, mouse, or squirrel) or an opossum that appears healthy, ensure the pet is current on its rabies vaccination. The victim animal does not need to be confined in this situation.
Bites to Humans
Under Chapter 381, Florida Statutes, and Rule 64D-3, Florida Administrative Code, any known or suspected human exposure to rabies—such as an animal bite or scratch that breaks the skin—must be immediately reported to your local county health department.
A suspected rabid animal is any mammal capable of transmitting rabies regardless of risk category. Provoked scratches from healthy dogs with a rabies vaccine history do not need to be reported.
An animal cannot be ruled out as suspect until the Department has completed a full rabies investigation.