Rabies Quarantines

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This information is meant to serve as an overview of rabies quarantines. The actual statutory language is in Wis. Stat. § 95.21.

• The purpose of the ten day quarantine is simple: In dogs, cats, and ferrets, the interval between the onset of rabies virus shedding in the saliva, and the onset of overt clinical signs of rabies is typically only a few days. Therefore if the animal remains healthy for ten days after the bite, it means that the animal was not shedding rabies virus at the time of the bite, and that the bite victim does not require post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) against rabies. This duration of asymptomatic viral shedding has been determined experimentally only for dogs, cats, and ferrets, which is why the ten day quarantine applies only to these three species.

Note: The 10-day interval does NOT pertain to the incubation period of rabies, nor does it imply that PEP can always be safely delayed for ten days after a rabies exposure occurs.

• In order for a quarantine to be legally binding, it must be issued in writing (although verbal instructions can be given initially), and can only be issued by certain individuals (a full-time health officer, a peace officer, a humane officer and a few other officials - see s. 95.21). A physician or a veterinarian in private practice cannot issue a legal quarantine.
• If the dog/cat/ferret is current on its rabies immunizations (as evidenced by a valid certificate of rabies vaccination or if verified by a licensed veterinarian), the quarantining officer may permit the quarantine/observation period to be performed on the owner's premises. If the officer believes that an adequate "home quarantine" can not or will not be performed, the officer can order a quarantine at an isolation facility in spite of the animal's current immunization status. Even vaccinated dogs, cats, and ferrets must be quarantined because of the slight possibility of a vaccine failure.
• If the animal is not currently immunized, the quarantine must be performed at an isolation facility. This is true regardless of the animal's age.
• Regardless of whether the quarantine is done at an isolation facility or on the owner's premises, three examinations of the animal must be performed by a licensed veterinarian. These examinations are to be performed on the first day of quarantine, on the last day of quarantine, and on one intervening day.

Quarantine factsheet on dog and cat quarantines suitable for distribution to animal owners

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