Section 10.06 - Requirements for Any Domestic Animals which are ExposedThe Animal Inspector, upon completion of an investigation and upon determination that a domestic animal has been Exposed, shall issue a written order to the person in custody of the Exposed animal requiring the following:
(1)Exposed Domestic Animals that are Currently Vaccinated. The Animal Inspector shall require the immediate administration of a booster vaccination, if the animal's last vaccination was administered over one month prior to exposure, and the animal shall be placed under Strict Confinement for 45 days.(2)Dogs and Cats that are Not Currently Vaccinated but with Proof of at Least One Previous Rabies Vaccine. The Animal Inspector shall require the immediate administration of a booster vaccination, and the animal shall be placed under Strict Confinement for 45 days.(3)Exposed Domestic Animals that are Unvaccinated. The Animal Inspector shall request from the owner of the animal written permission to euthanize the animal. If the owner is unwilling to consent to Euthanasia, the Animal Inspector shall issue a written order to the person in custody of the animal requiring the following:(a) Any dog or cat Exposed by Direct Contact to a confirmed rabid animal, as determined by State Laboratory testing, shall be vaccinated immediately and placed into Isolation for a period of three months to be followed by one month of Strict Confinement. Any ferret Exposed by Direct Contact to a confirmed rabid animal, as determined by State Laboratory testing, shall be vaccinated immediately and placed into Isolation for a period of three months to be followed by three months of Strict Confinement.(b) Any domestic animal, other than a dog, cat or ferret Exposed by Direct Contact to a confirmed rabid animal, as determined by State Laboratory testing, shall be placed in Strict Confinement for six months.(c) Any dog or cat Exposed by Direct Contact to a suspected rabid animal, Exposed by Proximity to a confirmed rabid animal, as determined by State Laboratory testing, or which has received a Wound of Unknown Origin shall be vaccinated immediately and placed under Strict Confinement for a period of four months.(d) Any domestic animal, other than dogs or cats, Exposed by Direct Contact to a suspected rabid animal, Exposed by Proximity to a confirmed rabid animal, as determined by State Laboratory testing, or which has received a Wound of Unknown Origin shall be placed under Strict Confinement for a period of six months.(e) Any animal considered Unvaccinated because the first vaccination had been administered within the 28 days prior to exposure do not require revaccination.(4) The person in custody of the animal under Quarantine is required to immediately notify the Department, a veterinarian, the Animal Inspector and the Department of Public Health of any changes in behavior or health status of the animal, or if the animal is euthanized or dies for any reason during its Quarantine period.(5) Any veterinarian who euthanizes a domestic animal for any reason while the animal is under Quarantine must immediately notify the Animal Inspector of the appropriate municipality. Notification must be made prior to the disposal of the animal.(6) Upon determination that an order has been violated, the Animal Inspector shall recommend that the Department issue an order to seize and euthanize the animal and have the animal submitted to the State Laboratory for Rabies testing.(7) No animal shall be released from Quarantine without written authorization from the Department or the Animal Inspector.(8) The Animal Inspector shall carry out, or cause to be carried out, Euthanasia orders issued by the Department.Amended by Mass Register Issue 1323, eff. 10/7/2016.Amended by Mass Register Issue 1326, eff. 7/28/2016.