250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-60-00-1.14

Current through December 26, 2024

Section 250-RICR-60-00-1.14 - Rabies Vector Species Special Conditions and Requirements

A. Only apparently healthy, juvenile (estimated to be ten (10) weeks of age or less) raccoons, skunks, red and gray foxes, and woodchucks, and bats of any age are candidates for rehabilitation, and only if the DOH has determined that no human or animal exposure has occurred. Apparently healthy shall mean that the animal in question exhibits no signs of behavioral, locomotive, or neurological impairment or wounds of unknown origin.

B. Any RVS that exhibits signs of behavioral, locomotive, or neurological impairment, or has a wound of unknown origin shall not be a candidate for rehabilitation and must be euthanized.

C. Bats of any age are candidates for rehabilitation, provided that the DOH has been contacted and has determined there has been no human or animal exposure and that the bat exhibits no signs of behavioral or neurological impairment.

D. The DOH must be notified immediately upon the submission of an RVS, to determine if a human or animal exposure has occurred.

E. Level 2 X wildlife rehabilitators are responsible for the capture, restraint, and transport of RVS.

F. Level 2 X wildlife rehabilitators must not request or direct any member of the public to handle, capture, or transport an RVS.

G. Wildlife rehabilitators must complete a "Rabies Vector Species Acceptance-Interview" form for each RVS that is received for intake. One (1) form may be used if the RVS incident involves more than one (1) animal.

H. When a person informs a wildlife rehabilitator that he or she has been bitten, scratched, or otherwise potentially exposed to the saliva of an RVS, the wildlife rehabilitator must:

1. Advise the person to immediately wash the wound with soap and water;

2. Advise the person to call his or her physician and to seek medical attention immediately;

3. Immediately notify the DOH of the incident and request further instructions concerning the disposition of the RVS animal.

I. When informed that an RVS in their care has bitten, scratched or otherwise potentially exposed a domestic animal (e.g. cat, dog, or ferret), the wildlife rehabilitator must:

1. Advise the person to avoid touching the domestic animal or use gloves when doing so;

2. Immediately notify the Animal Control Officer (ACO) in the municipality in which the incident occurred and request further instructions on the disposition of the wild animal. If the ACO is not available, contact the DOH;

3. Advise the person to contact their veterinarian to determine the animal's vaccination history;

J. When informed that an RVS in their care has bitten, scratched, or otherwise potentially exposed a domestic animal other than a cat, dog, or ferret (e.g. cow or horse), the rehabilitator must:

1. Advise the person to avoid touching the domestic animal or to use gloves when handling the domestic animal;

2. Notify the ACO;

3. Immediately notify the DOH of the incident and request further instructions concerning the disposition of the RVS;

4. Notify the State Veterinarian;

5. Advise the person to call his or her veterinarian to determine vaccination history, if applicable

K. The permittee must notify RIDOH immediately if an RVS dies while in care and make the animal available for rabies testing. If the animal in question tests positive for rabies all cage mates or other animals having previous contact are not to be released and must be euthanized.

250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-60-00-1.14

Amended effective 12/26/2018
Amended effective 7/12/2021
Amended effective 8/7/2024