Texas Administrative Code
Title 25 - HEALTH SERVICES
Part 1 - DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
Chapter 169 - ZOONOSIS CONTROL
Subchapter A - RABIES CONTROL AND ERADICATION
Section 169.28 - Requirements of a Quarantine Facility

(1) A quarantine facility shall have and use written standard operating procedures (SOP) specific for that facility to ensure effective and safe quarantine procedures. The SOP shall be posted in the quarantine facility, or otherwise be readily available to all employees in the quarantine facility, and adhered to by each employee.

(2) An animal that is quarantined because it may have exposed a human to rabies must be maintained in a primary enclosure, separated from all other animals by a solid partition so that there is no possibility of physical contact between animals. An empty chamber between animals is not an acceptable alternative. To prevent rabies transmission, handling of quarantined animals shall be minimized and carried out in a manner that avoids physical contact of other animals and people with the saliva of quarantined animals. Individuals handling quarantined animals should utilize appropriate personal protective equipment. To prevent escape, the primary enclosure must be enclosed on all sides, including the top. Quarantine cages, runs, or rooms must have "Rabies Quarantine" signs posted.

(1) It will be the responsibility of the department to inspect all quarantine facilities, including those operated by government contractors. The inspection of the premises will be accomplished during ordinary business hours. All deficiencies will be documented in writing. Those that are of sufficient significance to affect the humane care or security of any animal housed within the facility must be corrected within a reasonable period of time.

(2) The inspections will be accomplished annually and more frequently when significant discrepancies have been identified. Any facility that does not achieve acceptable standards will not be licensed for rabies quarantine operations.

(3) The quarantine facility manager has the right to appeal the results of the inspection. If the opinion of management of the quarantine facility is in conflict with the inspection, he or she may request a review of the inspection by the manager of the department's Zoonosis Control Branch, who will then notify the regional director's office of the health service region in which the quarantine facility is located that an appeal has been submitted. The appeal listed in this paragraph will be made in writing and submitted within 30 days of the inspection. After receipt of the appeal, the department will have 60 days to respond.