Part I.
Texas Department of Health
Chapter 169.
Zoonosis Control
Rabies Control and Eradication
25 TAC §§169.21-169.24, §§169.26-169.31, 169.33-169.34
The Texas Department of Health (department) proposes amendments
to §§169.21-169.24, §§169.26-169.31, and §§169.33-169.34,
concerning the control of rabies. Specifically, the sections cover definitions,
preexposure rabies immunization, specifications and requirements for quarantine
facilities, quarantine methods, rabies testing, vaccination requirements,
disposition of animals exposed to rabies, movement of dogs and cats into
Texas, submission of rabies specimens to a laboratory, and statewide rabies
quarantine.
The amendments define assistance and therapy dogs, add requirements for
humane and sanitary conditions of animal quarantine and shelter facilities,
clarify time requirements for rabies quarantine and vaccination, specify
requirements for quarantine facilities to prevent rabies transmission, remove
requirements for isolation of dogs and cats that enter Texas, define sections
of the brain that must be submitted for rabies testing, and remove dogs,
cats, and wolf-dog hybrids from the statewide rabies quarantine.
James H. Wright, D.V.M., M.P.V.M., Director, Zoonosis Control Division,
has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the sections
are in effect, there will be a positive fiscal implication as a result of
amending the sections proposed. The effect on state government would be an
estimated savings of approximately $10,076.63 per year as a result of modifying
the statewide quarantine because the clarification provided in the amendments
would reduce time and resources spent on consultations and eliminate the
distribution process of raccoon rabies vaccine from the department to rehabilitators.
The effect on local government would be an anticipated savings of $2,697.44
per year for animal control agencies by allowing rehabilitators to transport
raccoons instead of requiring transportation by animal control officers;
the savings to animal control agencies due to allowing pest control operators
to transport raccoons cannot be calculated because there is no mechanism
of reporting in place to determine how many agencies have been transporting
raccoons because of nuisance complaints. There may be an approximate cost
of $100 for fans required for cooling and ventilation in animal control agencies
when the ambient temperature exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit; however, this
additional cost would be incurred by very few agencies, as they are already
mandated to adequately cool and/or ventilate facilities to provide for the
health and comfort of the animals at all times.
James H. Wright also has determined that for each year of the first five
years that the sections will be in effect, the public health benefit as a
result of enforcing or administrating the sections would be an anticipated
decrease in human exposures to rabies for residents finding these animals
by allowing trained rehabilitators and pest control operators limited authority
to transport raccoons and an increase in support to persons using assistance
and therapy dogs by not requiring those animals that are currently vaccinated
to be placed in a quarantine facility after a bite incident. There will be
no costs to small businesses and no effect on local employment; however,
the amendments may result in increased business and employment for pest control
operators. There is no estimated economic cost to persons who may be required
to comply with the sections as proposed.
Written comments may be submitted to James H. Wright, D.V.M., M.P.V.M.,
Director, Zoonosis Control Division, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas,
78756. Comments will be accepted for 30 days following publication of this
proposal in the
Texas Register
.
The amendments are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety
Code, Chapter 826, "Rabies," §826.011 which provides the Texas Board
of Health (board) with the authority to administer the rabies control program
and adopt rules necessary to effectively administer this program; and §12.001,
which provides the board with the authority to adopt rules for the performance
of every duty imposed by law on the board, the department, and the commissioner
of health.
These amendments affect Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 826.
§169.21. Purpose.
The purpose of these sections is to protect the public health by establishing
uniform rules for the control and eradication of rabies in the State of Texas
, in accordance with Chapter 826 of the Texas Health and Safety Code
.
§169.22. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have
the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
Animal shelter
- A facility that keeps or
legally impounds stray, homeless, abandoned, or unwanted animals.
Assistance dog
- A dog that is specially trained
or equipped to help a person with a physical challenge and that:
(A)
is used by a person
with a physical challenge who has satisfactorily completed a specific course
of training in the use of the dog; and
(B)
has been trained by an
organization generally recognized by agencies involved in the rehabilitation
of persons with a physical challenge as reputable and competent to provide
dogs with training of this type.
Cat
- Any
Felis catus
.
Currently vaccinated
- Vaccinated and satisfying the following
criteria.
(A)
The animal must have been vaccinated against
rabies [
(B)-(C)
(No change.)
[
Impoundment
- The collecting and confining
of an animal because of a state or local ordinance.
Observation period
- The time following a bite incident during
which the biting animal's health status must be monitored. The observation
period for domestic dogs
,
[
Therapy dog
- A dog that helps a person with
a diagnosed emotional disorder for whom a letter has been issued by a physician
stating that the removal of the animal would be detrimental to the person's
emotional health.
§169.23. Information Relating to the Control of Rabies.
The
department's
[
§169.24. Preexposure Rabies Immunization.
Preexposure rabies immunization
should
[
§169.26. Facilities for the Quarantining or Sheltering of Animals.
(a)
Generally.
(1)-(3)
(No change.)
(4)
Waste disposal. Provision shall be made for the removal
and disposal of animal and food wastes, bedding, dead animals, and debris.
Disposal facilities shall be so provided and operated as to minimize vermin
infestations, odors, and disease hazards.
A suitable method shall be
provided to rapidly and safely remove water and other liquid waste from housing
facilities. Housing facilities should be designed to have animal excreta
removed through sanitary sewers or septic systems. All closed drainage systems
should be equipped with traps, vents, and acceptable drain covers to exclude
rodents and prevent any backup of sewer gas and odors into the facility.
(5)-(6)
(No change.)
(7)
Records. Records shall
be kept on each animal processed through the housing facility. At a minimum,
the records shall document the animal's description, impoundment date, disposition
date, and method of disposition. Records shall be available for inspection
by the department.
[
(8)
[
(9)
[
(10)
[
(11)
[
[
Drainage. A suitable
method shall be provided to rapidly and eliminate excess water from indoor
housing facilities. If drains are used, they shall be properly constructed
and kept in good repair to avoid foul odors therefrom. If closed drainage
systems are used, they shall be equipped with traps and so installed as to
prevent any backup of sewage onto the floor of the room.]
[
(12)
[
(A)
[
(B)
[
(C)
[
(D)
be constructed and maintained
so that they are impervious to moisture and may be readily sanitized;
(E)
[
(F)
[
(b)
[
(1)
Dogs and cats shall be fed at least once a day except
as [
(2)
Domestic ferrets shall have 24-hour access to food.
The food shall be free from contamination, wholesome, palatable, and of sufficient
quality and nutritive value to meet the normal daily requirements for the
condition, size, and age of the domestic ferret.
(3)
Food receptacles shall be accessible to all dogs,
cats, and domestic ferrets and shall be located so as to minimize contamination
by excreta.
Food
[
(c)
[
(d)
[
(1)
Cleaning of primary enclosures. Excreta shall be removed
from primary enclosures as often as necessary to prevent contamination of
the inhabitants
, but not less than daily
[
(2)
Sanitation of primary enclosures. Cages, rooms, and
pens shall be maintained in a sanitary condition.
(3)
Building and premises. Building and premises shall
be kept clean.
(e)
[
§169.27. Quarantine Method and Testing.
(a)
When a domestic dog, cat, or
domestic
ferret
which has bitten a human has been identified, the owner or custodian will
be required to place the animal in quarantine
until the end of the 10-day
observation period
. Unvaccinated animals should not be vaccinated against
rabies during the observation period
; however, animals may be treated
for unrelated medical problems diagnosed by a veterinarian
. The observation
period will begin
at the time
[
(1)
A secure
[
(2)
The animal
has been
[
(3)
The local rabies control authority or a licensed
veterinarian must observe the animal at least on the first and last days
of the quarantine period. [
(4)
The animal was not a stray (as defined in the Texas
Health and Safety Code, §826.002) at the time of the bite.
(b)
A domestic animal which has bitten a human and has been
designated by the local rabies control authority as unclaimed may be humanely
killed in such a manner that the brain is not mutilated.
A
[
(c)
If the biting animal is a high risk animal, it shall be
humanely killed and
a suitable specimen
[
(d)
If the biting animal is a low risk animal, neither quarantine
nor rabies
testing
[
(e)
The local rabies control authority may require an animal
which has inflicted multiple bite wounds, punctures, or lacerations to [
(f)
If the biting animal is not included in subsection (a),
(b), (c), (d), or (e) of this section, the biting animal will be humanely
killed and
a suitable specimen submitted
[
(g)
Any animal required to be quarantined under this section,
which cannot be maintained in a secure quarantine, shall be humanely killed
and
a suitable specimen
[
(h)
All laboratory specimens referred
to in subsections (b) - (g) of this section shall be submitted in accordance
with §169.33 of this title (relating to Submission of Specimens for
Laboratory Examination).
(i)
[
§169.28. [
(a)
Quarantine procedures.
(1)
Quarantine facilities shall have and use written standard
operating procedures (SOP)
specific for that facility
to ensure
effective and safe quarantine procedures [
(2)
An animal which may have exposed a human to
rabies
[
(3)
(No change.)
[
The local rabies control
authority may require a written agreement by the owner or the custodian at
the time of quarantine and the animal may be disposed of according to terms
of this agreement.]
(b)
Facilities planning. Any county, city, town, or incorporated
community desiring to construct animal quarantine facilities shall submit
plans to the [
(c)
Inspection requirements of quarantine facilities.
(1)
It will be the responsibility of the department to inspect
all animal quarantine facilities. The inspection of the premises will be
accomplished during ordinary business hours [
(2)
The inspections will be accomplished annually or
more frequently when significant discrepancies have been identified. Any
facility that
does not
[
(3)
The quarantine facility manager has the right to
appeal the results of the inspection evaluation. If the opinion of management
of the quarantine facility is in conflict with the inspection evaluation,
he or she may request a review of the inspection by the director of the department's
Zoonosis Control Division. In the event points of difference still remain,
the supervisor may request a review of the inspection by the chief of the
department's Bureau of Communicable Disease Control. Each of the appeals
listed in this paragraph, when required, will be made in writing through
the
regional director's office of the
public health region
in which
[
§169.29. Vaccination Requirement.
(a)
The owner or custodian (excluding animal shelters) of
each
domestic
dog or cat shall have the
animal
[
(b)
Official rabies vaccination certificates
shall be
issued by the vaccinating veterinarian
and
[
(1)
(No change.)
(2)
animal identification - species, sex
(including
neutered if applicable)
,
approximate
age (three months to
12 months, 12 months or older), size (pounds), predominant breed, and colors;
(3)-(6)
(No change.)
(c)
A copy of each rabies vaccination certificate issued shall
be retained by the issuing veterinarian
and be
[
(d)
(No change.)
§169.30. Disposition of Domestic Animals Exposed to Rabies.
(a)
Not currently vaccinated
[
(1)
(No change.)
(2)
if sufficient justification for preserving the animal
exists, the exposed animal shall be immediately vaccinated against rabies,
placed in strict isolation for 90 days, and given booster vaccinations during
the third and eighth weeks of isolation.
For young animals, additional
vaccinations may be necessary to ensure that the animal receives at least
two vaccinations at or after the age prescribed by the United States Department
of Agriculture for the vaccine administered.
[
(b)-(d)
(No change.)
§169.31. Interstate Movement of Dogs and Cats into Texas.
[
All dogs and cats
over three months
of age
to be transported into Texas for any purpose shall be admitted
only when [
[
Dogs and cats under three
months of age may be admitted without rabies vaccination provided they are
held in isolation until three months of age, at which time they must be vaccinated
against rabies and held in isolating for an additional 30 days. Isolation,
vaccination, and reporting the completion of isolation to the Texas Department
of Health are the responsibility of the importer.]
§169.33. Submission of Specimens for Laboratory Examination.
Preparation of specimens either for shipment or for personal delivery
for rabies diagnosis shall include the following.
(1)
(No change.)
(2)
The head of the suspect animal
[
(3)
The head shall be immediately chilled to between
45 degrees Fahrenheit and 32 degrees Fahrenheit
either in a refrigerator
or by packing for shipping with sufficient amounts of refrigerants in the
container
[
(4)
If specimens are shipped, two containers shall be
used for packing.
(A)
The immediate (inner) container. Only one head shall be
placed in each immediate container which shall be double plastic bags. Attach
the owner's name or an identification number to each double-sealed plastic
bag. Adhesive tape is useful. Do not use masking tape. [
(B)
The shipping (outer) container.
(i)-(iii)
(No change.)
(iv)
A completed Texas Department of Health Form G-9,
Rabies Submission Form, which is available at the department's Bureau of
Laboratories, Texas Department of Health, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin,
Texas 78756, is required for each head submitted. Each form must contain
the same identification information as located on the specimen bag as stated
in subparagraph (4)(A) of this section.
Submission form(s) shall be
placed in a water-proof bag on top of the packing material, just under the
box top.
(v)
Labeling on the outside of the shipping container shall
be legible and include:
(I)
name, address, and
telephone
[
(II)-(III)
(No change.)
(5)
(No change.)
(6)
The certified laboratories in Texas are:
(A)
Austin - Bureau of Laboratories, Texas Department of Health,
1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756, telephone the rabies shipment
notification hotline at 1-800-252-8163, or the local telephone at: (512)
458-7598
,
[
(B)-(D)
(No change.)
Statewide
[
[
Introduction. The purpose
of these rules is to prevent the spread of the south Texas canine, and Texas
fox rabies epizootics in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code, §826.045.
This rule will be administered with the cooperation of the governing bodies
of counties and municipalities within the quarantine area.]
[
Definitions. Words and terms
used in this section, shall have the definitions assigned by Texas Health
and Safety Code, §826.002 unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.]
(a)
[
(1)
Statewide
[
(2)
It is illegal to transport
animals subject to the statewide rabies quarantine from, to, or within the
State of Texas.
(3)
[
(4)
[
(b)
[
[
Public notification. The
Texas Department of Health shall insure that the public is notified of the
area rabies quarantine by:]
[
publishing a notice in the Texas Register;]
[
issuing news releases statewide; and]
[
posting notice of the quarantine in appropriate
public places.]
[
Prohibited acts. A person
shall not remove from, nor transport within the area quarantine, any animal
described in subsection (c)(2) of this section. For dogs and cats, submission
to the court of a valid rabies certificate issued prior to the date of the
citation or a signed euthanasia release form describing the transported animal,
shall be a valid defense to a charge of violation of this quarantine.]
(c)
[
(1)
rehabilitators permitted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department may transport raccoons within a ten-mile radius or within ten
miles of the city limits of where they were originally captured;
[
(2)
pest control operators licensed by the Structural
Pest Control Board may transport raccoons
[
(3)
educators permitted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department for educational display.
[
(d)
[
[
Violation of quarantine.
As provided in Texas Health and Safety Code, §826.046:]
[
a person commits an offense if the person
violates or attempts to violate subsection (f) of this section; and]
[
an offense is a Class C misdemeanor.]
This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been
reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority
to adopt.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January
16, 1998.
TRD-9800794
Susan K. Steeg
General Counsel
Texas Department of Health
Earliest possible date of adoption: March 2, 1998
For further information, please call: (512) 458-7236
Chapter 406.
ICF/MR Programs
Subchapter E. Eligibility and Review
at three months of age or earlier
] as prescribed by the
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Guide dog
- Domestic dog that is in service
to a legally blind person.
]
and
] cats
, and domestic
ferrets
(only) is 10 days
(240 hours)
; the observation
period for other animals, not including those defined as high risk or low
risk, is 30 days.
Texas Department of Health's
]
Zoonosis Control Division (ZCD) will assume the responsibility of collecting,
analyzing, and preparing monthly and annual summations of rabies activity
in the state. These reports will be forwarded to national, state, and municipal
agencies as required, and selected statistics will be sent to veterinary
medical
and animal control
organizations throughout the state.
shall
]
be administered to all individuals whose activities place them at a significant
risk of exposure to rabies, in accordance with the recommendations of the
CDC Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP).
(b)
Facilities - indoor.
]
(1)
] Heating.
Adequate shelter
shall be provided to protect animals from any form of cold or inclement weather
and direct effects of wind, rain, or snow.
[
Indoor housing facilities,
shall be sufficiently heated when necessary to protect the animals;
]
Auxiliary heat shall be provided any time
the
ambient
[
room
] temperature
falls
[
must not fall
] below
50 degrees Fahrenheit (
10
[
7.2
] degrees Celsius) for
more than four consecutive hours
when
[
at any time
]
animals
[
dogs or cats
] are present.
(2)
] Cooling and Ventilation.
Adequate shelter shall be provided to protect animals from any form of overheating
and direct rays of the sun.
[
Indoor housing facilities shall be
adequately cooled and/or ventilated to provide for the health and comfort
of the animals at all times.
]
Facilities
[
Such facilities
] shall be provided with fresh air either by means of windows, doors,
vents, fans, or air conditioning and shall be ventilated so as to minimize
drafts, odors, and moisture condensation.
Auxiliary ventilation, such
as fans or air conditioning, shall be provided when the ambient temperature
is 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.5 degrees Celsius) or higher.
(3)
] Lighting.
Housing
[
Indoor housing
] facilities shall have ample light of sufficient
intensity to permit routine inspection and cleaning [
during the entire
work period
]. Primary enclosures shall be situated to protect the animals
from
excessive
[
excess
] illumination.
(4)
]
Construction.
[
Interior Surfaces.
]
Housing facilities must be constructed
in such a manner that they will protect the animal and not create a health
risk or public nuisance.
The [
interior
] building surfaces
shall be constructed and maintained so that they are impervious to moisture
and may be readily sanitized.
Floors shall be made of durable, nonabsorbent
material.
(5)
(c)
Facilities - outdoor. Outdoor holding
facilities shall be of adequate size and construction to handle any animal
housed therein. Adequate shelter shall be provided to protect animals from
any form of overheating or cold or inclement weather. Outdoor holding facilities
must be constructed in such manner that they will protect the animal, be
readily sanitized, and will not create a nuisance. A suitable method shall
be provided to rapidly eliminate excess water.]
(d)
] Primary enclosures. Primary
enclosures shall:
(1)
] be structurally sound and
maintained in good repair;
(2)
] provide convenient access
to clean food and water;
(3)
] enable the animal to remain
dry and clean;
(4)
] be constructed so as to protect
the animal's feet and legs from injury; and
(5)
] provide sufficient space to
allow each animal to turn around fully, stand, sit, and lie in a comfortable
normal position.
(e)
] Feeding.
otherwise might be
] directed by a licensed veterinarian. The
food shall be free from contamination, wholesome, palatable, and of sufficient
quality and nutritive value to meet the normal daily requirements for the
condition and size of the dog or cat.
Feeding
] pans or bowls shall be durable
and kept clean and sanitary. Disposable food receptacles may be used but
must be discarded after each feeding or for domestic ferrets, after 24 hours
of use. Self feeders may be used for [
the
] feeding [
of
]
dry pet foods[
,
] and shall be kept clean and sanitary [
to
prevent molding, deterioration, or caking of feed
].
(f)
] Watering. If potable water
is not accessible to dogs and cats at all times, it shall be offered to them
at least twice daily for periods of not less than one hour, except as directed
by a licensed veterinarian. Domestic ferrets shall have potable water accessible
at all times, provided in drinking bottles of appropriate size to maintain
a fresh supply.
Water
[
Watering
] receptacles shall
be kept clean and sanitary.
(g)
] Sanitation.
and to reduce disease
hazards and odors
].
(h)
] Pest Control. A regular program
for the control of insects, ectoparasites, and other pests shall be established
and maintained.
on the day
] of the bite
incident.
If the animal becomes ill during the observation period, the
local rabies control authority must be notified by the person having possession
of the animal.
The animal must be placed in a
licensed
[
approved Texas Department of Health (department)
] facility specified
by the local rabies control authority and observed at least twice daily.
However, [
the owner or custodian of the animal may request permission
from
] the local rabies control authority
may allow the animal
to be placed in a veterinary clinic. As an alternative, the local rabies
control authority may allow
[
for
] home quarantine if the
following criteria can be met.
Secure
]
enclosure
[
facilities must be available at the home of the animal's owner
or custodian, and must be
] approved by the local rabies control authority
must be used to prevent escape
.
is currently
] vaccinated against rabies
within the last 12 months. If an unvaccinated
animal is not over four months of age at the time of the bite, it may be
allowed home quarantine.
If the animal becomes ill during the observation
period, the local rabies control authority must be notified by the person
having possession of the animal. At the end of the observation period, the
release from quarantine must be accomplished in writing.
]
The
]
suitable specimen (head with brain intact or
brain
)
shall be submitted to a department certified laboratory for rabies
diagnosis
as specified in subsection (h) of this section
.
the brain
]
submitted for rabies testing
as specified in subsection (h) of this
section
.
test
] will be required unless the
local rabies control authority has cause to believe the biting animal is
rabid, in which case it should be humanely killed and
a suitable specimen
submitted for rabies testing
[
tested for rabies
]
as
specified in subsection (h) of this section
.
the face, head, or neck of
] a person to be humanely killed and
a suitable specimen
[
the brain
]
submitted
[
tested
] for rabies
testing as specified in subsection (h) of this
section
.
the brain tested
] for rabies
testing as specified in subsection (h) of this section
or the local rabies control authority may require the animal to be
quarantined
[
confined
] for
the
[
a
]
30-day observation period as an alternate method to killing and testing [
, otherwise conforming to the requirements delineated in subsection (a) of
this section
].
the brain
]
submitted
[
tested
] for rabies
testing as specified in subsection
(h) of this section
.
(h)
]
At the discretion of
the local rabies control authority, currently
[
Currently
]
vaccinated
assistance, therapy,
[
guide
]
and police
dogs [
in service or currently vaccinated police dogs when a bite
is inflicted in the line of duty
]
may
[
shall
]
not be required to be placed in quarantine
during the observation period
.
Public and Private Entities That Operate ] Requirements of a Quarantine Facility.
, and shall produce
]
. The
[
the
] SOP [
upon request by the department
]
shall be posted in the quarantine facility and adhered to by each employee
.
Biting animals
] and animals suspected of rabies
that are placed in
quarantine
[
confinement
] for observation
must be separated
by a solid partition
from all other animals
in such a manner that there is no possibility of physical contact between
animals. [
To avoid contact between animals, a solid partition extending
from the floor to ceiling of the confinement chamber is required between
chambers such as runs or cages. Half wire - half solid partitions between
runs and cages or
]
An
[
an
] empty chamber between
animals
is
[
are
] not
an
acceptable
alternative
[
alternatives
]. To prevent escape, the chamber
must be enclosed on all sides, including the top.
Quarantine cages,
runs, or rooms must have "Rabies Quarantine" signs posted.
(4)
Texas Department of Health (
] department[
)
] for approval.
and the inspector must
be accompanied by the person responsible for the management of the facility
]. All deficiencies will be documented in writing. Those that are of
sufficient significance to affect the humane care
or security
of any animal confined to the facility must be corrected within a reasonable
period of time.
cannot
] achieve acceptable
standards [
within one year
] will
not be licensed for rabies
quarantine operations
[
be required to cease operation until acceptable
standards have been achieved
].
director's office in whose area
] the animal facility
is located.
dog or cat
] vaccinated against rabies
before four
[
at three
] months of age [
or earlier as prescribed by the United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
] and within each subsequent
12-month interval thereafter. [
Only USDA-licensed
]
Rabies
[
rabies
] vaccines
licensed by the United States Department
of Agriculture
[
with a three-year duration of immunity in dogs
or a vaccine which has been licensed for less than two years, and for which
testing to obtain approval for three-year duration of immunity is in progress,
may be used
]
and administered
according to label directions
must be used
[
in any species for which it is approved
].
Only vaccines with a three-year duration of immunity shall be used in dogs.
Livestock (especially those that have frequent contact with humans), domestic
ferrets, and wolf-dog hybrids should be vaccinated against rabies.
shall
]
contain
the following
[
certain standard
] information
[
as designated by Texas Department of Health. Information required is
as follows
]:
in a
]
readily retrievable [
status
] for a period of not less than three
years from the date of issuance.
Unvaccinated
] animals which have been bitten or directly exposed by physical contact
with a rabid animal or its fresh tissues shall be:
If the animal is
under three months of age at the time of the second vaccination, an additional
booster shall be given when the animal reaches three months of age.
]
(a)
]
currently
] vaccinated against rabies
during the
last 12 months
and identified by vaccination certificates showing date
of vaccination and signed by
the
[
a
] licensed veterinarian
who administered the vaccine
.
(b)
Suspect animal's head
] shall be separated from the body immediately
after death by a qualified person. Only the head shall be submitted with
the exception that whole bats may be submitted.
If only the brain is
submitted rather than the entire head, parts of the cerebellum, hippocampus,
and brain stem must be included. Specimens which do not include at least
two of these three areas of the brain will be considered unsatisfactory due
to a lack of sufficient material.
, but
]
. The head
should not be frozen.
A completed
Texas Department of Health Form G-9, Rabies Submission Form, which is available
at the department's Bureau of Laboratories, Texas Department of Health, 1100
West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756, shall be placed in a separate water-proof
bag. The form must contain identical information as located on the specimen
bag. One form is required for each head submitted.
]
phone
]
number of the appropriate laboratory (listed in paragraph (6) of this section);
or
] (512) 458-7515
, or (512) 458-7318
(after hours)
.
Area
]
Quarantine.
(a)
(b)
c
] Declaration. The board declares
a statewide
[
an area
] rabies quarantine.
Area
] quarantine. The
area is defined by the borders of the
State
[
state
]
of Texas.
(2)
] Animals subject to the
statewide
[
area
]
rabies
quarantine[
.
]
include any
[
Any
] live [
: domestic dog, wolf-dog hybrid,
or cat over three months of age for which an official rabies vaccination
certificate as described in §169.29(b) of this title (relating to Vaccination
Requirement) cannot be produced, or
] coyote (
Canis latrans
), raccoon (
Procyon lotor
),
or species of foxes indigenous to North America [
, is subject to the
area quarantine
].
(3)
] Transport exceptions.
Animals subject to the
statewide
[
area
]
rabies
quarantine may be transported by
peace officers and individuals
hired or contracted by state or federal agencies or local governments to
deal with stray animals
[
employees or contractors of governmental
entities,
] when such transport is a part of their official duty.
These animals may also be transported by employees of zoos or other institutions
accredited by the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums
when such transport is part of their official duty.
If an exempt individual
transports such animals for release, the animals must be released within
a ten-mile radius or within ten miles of the city limits of where they were
originally captured.
(d)
] Board's designee. The board's
designee is the commissioner, whom the board appoints to act as its designee
as described in Texas Health and Safety Code, §826.045.
(e)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(f)
(g)
] Special provisions for [
rehabilitation of
] raccoons. [
Raccoons being rehabilitated shall
be:
]
In addition to the transport exceptions listed in subsection
(a)(4) of this section, the following individuals may transport raccoons:
vaccinated with a vaccine approved for use in raccoons by the United States
Department of Agriculture and held for 30 days after vaccination without
clinical signs of rabies;
]
released
] within
a ten-mile radius or within ten miles of the city limits of where they were
originally captured; and,
transported by employees
or contractors of a city or county animal control agency.
]
(h)
] Rehabilitation of [
other
wild
] animals.
Except for raccoons, rehabilitation
[
Rehabilitation
] of [
other wild
] animals listed in subsection
(a)(3)
[
(c)(2)
] of this section is prohibited.
(i)
(1)
(2)
Part II.
Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation