#most of this is just referenced from the linked Texas administrative code

[ejacutastic]

I absolutely agree that rabies and vaccines need to be taken far more seriously, but do you have a study or reference for the statement that one vaccine is usually enough to grant lifelong immunity? one is certainly better than none, but I'm not seeing any study on a relatively quick Google search that would back that statement up (though I admit I'm a former vet tech, not an epidemiologist or a dvm)

additionally, and this is unrelated to my question, I think it's worth discussing the legal ramifications of bites in pets without established rabies vaccination history for a moment as well because, speaking for the USA, it can cost you financially at best and could lead to your pet being euthanatized and their head being cut off and sent off for rabies testing at worst, as the only diagnostic test for rabies is to look for the microscopic presence of negri bodies from a brain tissue sample.

US laws vary by state, but in Texas, where I live, cats, dogs, and ferrets are subject to a quarantine period with veterinary examination before and after (with home quarantine only allowed for animals current on vaccines). There are also criminal charges on the table for owners of said pets, though I suspect this is only really used for people who continue to refuse to vaccinate after they've been asked to.

it's also worth noting that the Texas administrative code gives explicit permission to rabies control authorities to skip quarantine and require euthanasia and brain tissue testing for "an animal that has inflicted multiple bite wounds, punctures, or lacerations to a person." Euthanasia and testing is also required for animals that cannot be maintained in secure quarantine. However, I suspect they use these statutes sparingly based on my own experiences.

Animal bites are horrible to deal with on every level and neglecting vaccinations just makes every part of the situation so much worse for everyone involved. PLEASE vaccinate your pets and exercise caution with wildlife. and if you're in the veterinary or wildlife fields, seriously consider getting your rabies pre-exposure vaccines as the risk of getting bit and an owner/pet falling off the radar is never zero. rabies is no joke.

"I've decided not to vaccinate my animals. Think about it, how often do you see a rabid dog?"

Yes Heather think about it. Think about how few rabid dogs you see in your comfortable western country with easy access to vet care. Think about why it might be that you've never seen a rabid dog. Really dig deep here you absolute fucking fool.