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ANIMAL SERVICES 1601 Eubanks Road http://orangecountync.gov/departments/animalservices phone: (919) 942-7387 Chapel Hill, NC 27516 fax: (919) 918-2393 Rabies Exposure Policy and Procedure The following operating guidelines lay out the requirements used by Orange County North Carolina for rabies exposures and suspected rabies exposures, based on the 2016 Rabies Compendium1 and the authority granted to the local Health Director by the NC General Statute (G.S. 130A-41 and 130A-197. A). This policy should be reviewed and revised with each new compendium. Exposures Any owned animal that has contact with an animal that tests positive for rabies will be subject to the requirements herein. If the rabies vector is not available for testing, it will be assumed positive. If the owned animal’s whereabouts cannot be accounted for and there is reasonable suspicion of contact, contact with the vector will be assumed, even if no visible bite wounds are present. Dogs/Cats Dogs/Cats That Have a Current Vaccination A dog or cat that has a current vaccination with acceptable documentation of that vaccination must receive an examination and booster shot by a licensed veterinarian immediately after any exposure to a rabies suspect. The post-exposure booster must be given within 96 hours (4 days) or the animal will be subject to a quarantine of four (4) months at the owner or keeper’s expense. Following the exam and booster shot, the dog or cat must be under the control and observation of its owner for a 45-day period (from the date of exposure). During this time, the dog or cat should not be taken to dog parks, pet stores, boarding facilities, or other areas where it may be exposed to outside animals or people. Vet visits during this time should be arranged ahead of time with the veterinary office so that the animal can be moved into a room directly and so that staff members are aware that it is under this observation period before handling it. The animal should not be left under the care of anyone outside the owner without prior approval from Orange County Animal Services and that approval will be considered on a case by case basis, taking all factors of the case into consideration. The owner or keeper should be provided the handout from Animal Services that outlines these requirements and the activities that should be restricted or avoided during this period. 1 2016 Rabies Compendium and related documents are available at http://nasphv.org/documentsCompendia.html