Rabies

Rabies is a preventable zoonotic disease caused by a virus that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It can be transmitted from animal to animal and from animal to human. Symptoms will not develop right away but once symptoms appear, rabies is considered fatal. When an animal is infected with rabies, the virus is shed in the saliva and can be passed to another animal or a person, usually through a bite, scratch, or through mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).

Rabies Resources

• For providers, the Rabies Prophylaxis Flyer can help determine what rabies treatment is recommended. New!
• To find a Rabies Prophylaxis Provider near you. New!
• Due to a national shortage of rabies vaccine and human rabies immune globulin (HRIG), vaccine and HRIG should only be used for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). No pre-exposure prophylaxis should be done at this time. For vaccine, physicians can call Novartis at 1-877-683-4732 or Sanofi Pasteur at 1-800-822-2463 and complete request form. For HRIG, physicians can call Talecris at 1-800-243-4153 or Sanofi Pasteur at 1-800-822-2463 and complete request form. 
• To see 2012 confirmed rabies cases look in Alabama Morbidity Review, Rabies - Animal slide. 
• For a quick and easy reference to basic rabies information and to determine if you need post-exposure prophylaxis, review or print the Rabies Flyer with Flow Charts.
• Learn how to "bat proof" your home with Keep Bats Out. 

Rabies Bite Manual

Cover

Introduction

Rabies Overview

Biology, Transmission, and Pathogenesis

Incubation Period and Duration of Disease

Control Methods

Assessing the Need for PEP

Ordering PEP and Schedule

Rabies Pre-exposure Vaccination for Humans

Animal Vaccination Protocols

Management of Animals Exposed to Rabies

Management of Animals that Bite Humans

Rabies Testing

Tissue Sample Collection and Handling

Rabies Specimen Acceptance Criteria

Rabies Serology Testing for Humans

Importation and Interstate Movement of Animals

Rabies Control During a Disaster Response

Frequently Asked Questions About Rabies

Forms

Animal-related Injury or Damage Contacts

County Health Department Phone Numbers

ADPH Administrative Code - Chapter 420-4-4 Rabies Control Program Rules

Current FDA Licensed Rabies Vaccine

Certificate of Exemption from Rabies Vaccination Form Alabama Rabies Law Section 3-7A-1 Definitions. Section 3-7A-2 Dogs, cats, and ferrets to be immunized; sale, etc., of vaccine; vaccination exemptions. Section 3-7A-3 Immunization fee. Section 3-7A-4 Issuance of tag. Section 3-7A-5 Replacement of tag and certificate. Section 3-7A-6 Penalty for dog or cat without tag or certificate. Section 3-7A-7 Maintenance of pound; notice of impoundment. Section 3-7A-8 Destruction of impounded dogs, cats, and ferrets; when authorized; redemption by owner; adoption of animals. Section 3-7A-9 Quarantine of dog, cat, or ferret which bites human being; destruction and examination of animal; violations; instructions for quarantine; report of results; exemptions. Section 3-7A-10 Destruction of domesticated species exposed to rabid animal; optional quarantine. Section 3-7A-11 County rabies officer; application; appointment; term; powers and duties; authority of county board of health. Section 3-7A-12 Penalty for violations. Section 3-7A-13 Placement of area under quarantine; additional measures. Section 3-7A-14 Power of municipalities. Section 3-7A-15 Rules. Section 3-7A-16 Relation to Volunteer Service Act

Maps of Confirmed Rabies Cases in Alabama

• 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009

Laboratory Confirmed Rabies Cases in Alabama

• 1950-2012  

CDC Resources

• Use of a Reduced (4-Dose) Vaccine Schedule for Postexposure Prophylaxis to Prevent Human Rabies, 2010 
• Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, 2008
• Human Rabies Prevention - United States, 2008
• Programs for Uninsured and Underinsured Patients - Patient-assistance programs provide medications to uninsured or underinsured patients for rabies vaccine and Immune globulin.
• Rabies and Kids