Code of Maine Rules
10 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
144 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - GENERAL
Chapter 251 - RULES GOVERNING RABIES MANAGEMENT
Section 144-251-7 - Management of domesticated animals exposed to rabid or suspect rabid animals
Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024
A. Owned dogs, cats and ferrets with current proof of rabies vaccination that are exposed to a confirmed or suspect rabid animal or that are found to have wounds of unknown origin must be immediately boostered with rabies vaccine, kept under the owner's control and observed for signs of rabies for 45 days.
B. Owned dogs, cats, and ferrets without proof of current rabies vaccination that are exposed to a confirmed or suspect rabid animal or that are inflicted with wounds of unknown origin should be euthanized immediately. If the owner is unwilling to have this done, the animal should be placed in strict isolation for six months. Isolation in this context refers to confinement in an enclosure that precludes direct contact with people and other animals. The animal must be vaccinated upon entry into isolation or up to 28 days before release.
C. Stray dogs must be confined and observed for eight days in a State-licensed animal shelter pursuant to 7 M.R.S.A. §3913(4B) and then euthanized. A veterinarian may authorize euthanasia prior to the eight day isolation period ( 7 M.R.S.A. §3913(6).
D. Stray cats without proof of current rabies vaccination that are without identification must be held for 48 hours or that are feral must be held for 24 hours in a State-licensed animal shelter prior to euthanasia pursuant to 7 M.R.S.A. §3919-A. A veterinarian may authorize immediate euthanasia ( 7 M.R.S.A. §3919-A(4).
E. Stray ferrets without proof of current rabies vaccination must be euthanized immediately.
F. Stray or owned wildlife hybrids must be euthanized regardless of vaccination status.
G. Livestock
