Decision
Animal vaccinated, with no gaps in vaccination history?
Yes → Do not refer for PEP (Class III)
Background
Reporting and/or involving state or local health departments in decisions regarding potential rabies exposures and need for PEP is strongly recommended, and mandatory in many areas of the United States. Animal control departments can provide useful information on the vaccination status of domestic animals, direct quarantine/observation of animals in question, and ensure that animal euthanasia and testing are performed when needed. Clinicians should resist the temptation to “go it alone” when faced with uncertain scenarios or those that involve animals that could require observation periods or rabies testing.
Is Animal Available?