MDAR Announces Major Changes to the Massachusetts Rabies Regulations

On July 31, 2016, Michael Cahill, Director of the Division of Animal Health of the MA Dept. of Agricultural Resources shared regulation changes made by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians’ Animal Rabies Compendium.

Based on significant changes to the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians’ Animal Rabies Compendium, some significant changes to the Department’s rabies regulations at 330 CMR 10 have been made. As these changes will affect a number of people who currently have dogs and cats under quarantine, the changes were put through as emergency regulations and take effect immediately.

A brief summary of the major changes are below. To review the complete regulations and other changes click here. Note that for ferrets and livestock species THERE IS NO CHANGE. These changes only alter the handling of dogs and cats.

MDAR Announces Major Changes to the Massachusetts Rabies Regulations

There is no more “Primary Series” of vaccinations for dogs and cats. Dogs and cats receiving their first shot are considered currently vaccinated 28 days after they receive the shot, and it will be for a period of one year. Dogs and cats that have proof of a prior vaccination at some point in their life are considered currently vaccinated immediately upon receiving a shot, and it will be good for the longest period recognized on the label.

Dogs and cats that are possibly exposed to rabies

No change for vaccinated animals. Still booster and still 45-day quarantine

• No change for vaccinated animals. Still booster and still 45-day quarantine.
• Dogs and cats that have proof of a rabies vaccine AT ANY POINT IN THEIR LIFE can be vaccinated immediately and only have to complete a 45-day quarantine.
• Dogs and cats that have never been vaccinated (or don’t have proof) get a booster shot immediately and do a 4-month quarantine.

THESE CHANGES ARE ALREADY IN EFFECT, SO ANY DOGS AND CATS THAT YOU CURRENTLY HAVE IN 6-MONTH QUARANTINES, THAT HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED 4 MONTHS, ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RELEASED; HOWEVER, THEY CANNOT BE RELEASED UNTIL THEY HAVE BEEN SEEN BY THE ANIMAL INSPECTOR AND THE ANIMAL INSPECTOR HAS DOCUMENTED THE RELEASE IN WRITING

IT MAY TAKE THE ANIMAL INSPECTOR SOME TIME TO GET TO ALL OF THE ANIMALS AND OWNERS AFFECTED BY THESE CHANGES. UNTIL THE ANIMAL INSPECTOR OFFICIALLY RELEASES THE ANIMAL FROM QUARANTINE, THE QUARANTINE REMAINS IS IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.