Rabies

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that infects the brain and spinal cord of mammals. The virus is spread from exposure to saliva or nervous tissue from an infected animal, usually through a bite. Scratches or saliva contact with a mucous membrane are also considered as exposure risks. Rabies is preventable if proper treatment is given before symptoms occur, but is fatal once symptoms are present.

The primary public health concern is to prevent people from developing rabies after a possible exposure. Any bite or scratch from an animal should be checked by a physician and reported to the county health department. Dogs, cats, and ferrets that bite or scratch a person will be required to undergo quarantine for a period of 10 days. The observation for clinical signs of rabies developing in the animal during the quarantine provides complete assurance for the person bitten or scratched that the animal did not infect the person from the bite. Unlike pets, wildlife species that bite or scratch cannot be quarantined because they may shed the virus longer than 10 days. Rabies tests can be performed in the laboratory on deceased animals that do not qualify for quarantine.

Rabies in Alabama

• Raccoons make up the majority of all Rabies cases every year.
• Each year, Alabama participates in an Oral Rabies Vaccine (ORV) Program to control the spread of Rabies in wildlife. For more information, see our Frequently Asked Questions about the ORV Program.
• Maps of confirmed Rabies cases in Alabama in 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009
• Laboratory confirmed Rabies cases in Alabama from 1950 - 2014

In Alabama, there are two different strains of rabies virus: the raccoon variant and the bat variant. The raccoon strain can infect other wildlife, such as foxes, coyotes, and skunks; but more importantly, it can infect people's pets. Vaccination of dogs, cats, and ferrets is required by law. Vaccinations for other species, such as horses and livestock are also available and recommended. Vaccinating animals help ensure protection should they unknowingly be exposed to a rabid animal. Other simple prevention methods are to keep pets properly confined or on leashes, avoid leaving trash or leftover pet food uncovered which may attract wildlife, and avoid handling bats.

The bat variant can also infect pets or people. Bats present a unique risk of rabies because their bites may be unknown or leave insignificant marks. If you should have bats in your house or bedroom, please contact your physician or local health department for consultation.

Quick Steps for Prevention:

1. Avoid being bitten or scratched. Get medical attention immediately and report to local health department.
2. Don't approach stray or injured animals or wildlife.
3. Don't handle bats.
4. Keep your pets and livestock vaccinated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rabies

Physician and Provider Resources

• The Rabies Prophylaxis Flyer can help determine what rabies treatment is recommended.
• To order vaccine, physicians can call Novartis at 1-877-683-4732 or Sanofi Pasteur at 1-800-822-2463 and complete the request form.
• To order HRIG, physicians can call most major distributors, such as Grifols at 1-800-243-4153 or Sanofi Pasteur at 1-800-822-2463 and complete the request form.
• To report an exposure, complete the ADPH Rabies Exposure Report and fax the report to local county health department.
• Use of a Reduced (4-Dose) Vaccine Schedule for Postexposure Prophylaxis to Prevent Human Rabies, 2010
• More information on the Rabies Titer can be found on the Kansas Rabies Lab Website.

Rabies Specimen Testing

• To submit a specimen for testing, please use Mobile or Montgomery laboratories.
• Read the submission instructions to test a sample for rabies.
• For more information on collecting samples, see CDC's Ante Mortem Testing.
• Please fill out a Rabies Test Report to submit along with your specimen.

Rabies Resources

• World Rabies Day is September 28. Spread the message that Rabies Prevention Starts With You.
• Check out our Rabies Quarantine Fact Sheet if you are required to quarantine your pet.
• Educate your child and the children around you with the Stop Dog Bites Flyer.
• If you are bitten by an animal, please complete the ADPH Rabies Exposure Report and fax the report to your local county health department.
• For a quick and easy reference to basic rabies information and to determine if you need post-exposure prophylaxis, review or print the updated Rabies Flyer with Flow Charts.
• To find a Rabies Prophylaxis Provider near you.
• Learn how to "bat proof" your home with Keep Bats Out.
• Use of a Reduced (4-Dose) Vaccine Schedule for Postexposure Prophylaxis to Prevent Human Rabies, 2010
• Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, 2016
• 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

Rabies Bite Manual

View the entire Rabies Bite Manual (8 MB) or by chapter below

• 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
  Rabies Quarantine Fact Sheet

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

Page last updated: July 2, 2020