Local authorities could issue annual rabies exemptions after animal testing

A local rabies control authority could issue a one-year rabies vaccine exemption. The provision covers dogs, cats, and ferrets that otherwise must receive rabies vaccines. A veterinarian's written recommendation must be signed by an approved veterinary specialist and the state veterinarian, or by one licensed veterinarian who performs the required antibody testing. A veterinarian must recertify the exemption every year. An animal exempted because of illness must remain in strict rabies isolation until it can be vaccinated. If enacted, the act would take effect upon passage, and each exemption would last one year before recertification.

A veterinarian seeking an exemption based on demonstrated immunity would have to perform two antibody tests. The testing applies to an animal seeking the single-veterinarian exemption based on its individual immune response. The first test must occur before the animal receives a rabies vaccine. The second test must occur 7 to 14 days after vaccination. Future tests must show antibody levels at least as high as the animal's own post-vaccination baseline. Animals qualifying through this testing would not have to follow the isolation, leash, and muzzle rules that apply to animals exempted because of illness. The first test must occur before vaccination, the second 7 to 14 days afterward, and future testing must support continued exemption.