A. VACCINE ADMINISTRATION:  All animal rabies vaccines should be restricted to use by or under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.

B. VACCINE SELECTION:  In comprehensive rabies control programs, only vaccines with a three year duration of immunity should be used.  This constitutes the most effective method of increasing the proportion of immunized dogs and cats in populations.  
(See Part 2).

C. ROUTE OF INOCULATION:  All vaccines must be administered in accordance with the specifications of the product label or package insert.  If administered intramuscularly, it must be at one site in the thigh.

D. WILDLIFE AND HYBRID ANIMAL VACCINATION:  The efficacy of parenteral rabies vaccination of wildlife and hybrids (the off-spring of wild animals crossbred to domestic animals).  Zoos or research institutions may establish vaccination programs that attempt to protect valuable animals, but these should not replace appropriate public health activities that protect humans.

E. ACCIDENTAL HUMAN EXPOSURE TO VACCINE:  Accidental inoculation may occur during administration of animal rabies vaccine.  Such exposure to inactivated vaccines constitutes no rabies hazard.

F. IDENTIFICATION OF VACCINATED ANIMALS:  All agencies and veterinarians should adopt the standard tag system.  This practice will aid the administration of local, state, national, and international control procedures animal license tags should be distinguishable in shape and color from rabies tags.  Anodized aluminum rabies tags should be no less than 0.064 inches in thickness.

RABIES CERTIFICATE

All agencies and veterinarians should use the NASPHV Form #51, "RABIES VACCINATION CERTIFICATE", which can be obtained from vaccine manufacturers.  Computer-generated forms containing the same information are acceptable.