This consumer information is important to veterinary teams and the company representatives who call on them. Rabies vaccinations remain critical to incidence control in all mammalian populations. Read the info, follow the links and determine hospital protocols. Once decisions are complete and vet team members on are all on board, assertively communicate your rabies protocols to clients and colleagues in your area.
Source: Dogs Naturally, March 1, 2016.
In the latest Compendium, dogs and cats exposed to rabies who are overdue for their rabies vaccinations can have a booster shot followed by an observation period, instead of being euthanized or quarantined. The recommended observation period is 45 days and the really good news is that this can be done at home, “under the owner’s control.” Not so for animals that have never been vaccinated.
Source: JAVMA, February 10, 2016.
New guidance in this issue of the JAVMA advises that cats and dogs that are exposed to rabies and are overdue for a vaccine can have a booster shot followed by an observation period rather than be subject to quarantine or euthanasia.
INSIGHTS: Information like this in consumer media sometimes creates inquiries to veterinary hospitals. If veterinary team members are not prepared to answer questions, clients may get confused and patients could be lost. Sales representatives can add value by helping telephone personnel script phone responses about hospital protocols.