Minnesota Administrative Rules
Agency 110 - Animal Health Board
Chapter 1721 - ANIMAL HEALTH
RABIES PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Part 1721.0580 - MANAGEMENT OF ANIMALS THAT BITE HUMANS

Subpart 1. Dogs, cats, and ferrets.

A dog, cat, or ferret that bites a human must be kept under confinement and observed for signs suggestive of rabies for ten days, or the animal must be euthanized and tested for rabies. If requested by the Department of Health, a stray or impounded dog, cat, or ferret that bites a human may be euthanized and tested for rabies before the required five-day holding period as specified in part 1721.0520, subpart 10, or in Minnesota Statutes, section 346.47.

Subp. 2. Other animals.

An animal other than a dog, cat, or ferret that bites a human must be managed on a case-by-case basis based on the recommendations of the Department of Health. The animals may be required to be confined and observed for signs suggestive of rabies. If the Department of Health requests a rabies test, the animal must be euthanized and tested for rabies.

Subp. 3. Confinement procedures.

An animal under confinement for rabies observation must be restricted in such a way that the animal can always be found and cannot wander away. A dog, cat, or ferret that is currently vaccinated for rabies may be confined in the home or as directed by local authorities. A dog, cat, or ferret that is not currently vaccinated for rabies may be required by local authorities to be confined at a veterinary clinic or other secure location at the owner's expense.

Subp. 4. Reporting and testing.

Any illness in an animal that is under confinement and observation for rabies established under this part must be reported to the Department of Health. If the animal shows signs suggestive of rabies, it must be euthanized and tested for rabies. An animal that dies or is euthanized during the confinement period must be tested for rabies.

Subp. 5. Enforcement.

Local animal control and law enforcement officials are responsible for enforcement of this part.