Dog, Cat and Ferret: Animal is NOT Showing Signs of Rabies
Return to Rabies prevention flowchart introduction
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Quarantine (1) and observe the dog, cat, or ferret (2) for 10 days from the date of the incident, regardless of its rabies immunization status.
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As long as the animal remains healthy (3) , there is no need for post-exposure prophylaxis of bite victim.
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If the animal develops signs of rabies during the observation period(3), euthanize and test for rabies ASAP. The bite victim should begin Post-exposure prophylaxis treatment regimen while results are pending (4).
If the animal is injured or extraordinarily vicious, and the owner consents, it may be euthanized and tested for rabies. If such an animal is not exhibiting signs of rabies, post-exposure prophylaxis may be withheld pending lab results if the results can be obtained in a reasonably timely manner (5).
(1) For more detail about quarantine, see this quarantine information. The animal must be evaluated by a veterinarian three times during this observation period, regardless of whether it is quarantined at the owner's premises or in an isolation facility.
(2) Authority to quarantine ferrets does not yet exist in statute; however, the authority to order a ferret sacrificed and tested for rabies does exist. Therefore, voluntary compliance with a quarantine is the less onerous option.
(3) Any signs of illness or abnormal behavior in a quarantined animal should immediately be evaluated by a veterinarian to determine it they are compatible with the clinical signs of rabies.
(4) Post-exposure prophylaxis treatment regimen
(5) Once an animal is quarantined it should not be euthanized without the consent of the officer or agency that imposed the quarantine.
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