title: Evaluation of a postexposure rabies prophylaxis protocol for domestic animals in Texas: 2000-2009.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether postexposure rabies prophylaxis (PEP) in domestic animals, as mandated in Texas, has continued to be effective and to evaluate preexposure or postexposure vaccination failures from 2000 through 2009.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  1,014 unvaccinated domestic animals (769 dogs, 126 cats, 72 horses, 39 cattle, 3 sheep, 4 goats, and 1 llama) that received PEP and 12 vaccinated domestic animals (7 dogs and 5 cats) with possible failure of protection.
  
  
  METHODS
  Zoonotic incident reports from 2000 through 2009 were reviewed for information regarding unvaccinated domestic animals that received PEP in accordance with the state protocol after exposure to a laboratory-confirmed rabid animal; reports also were reviewed for any preexposure or postexposure vaccination failures. The state-required PEP protocol was as follows: immediately vaccinate the animal against rabies, isolate the animal for 90 days, and administer booster vaccinations during the third and eighth weeks of the isolation period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From 2000 through 2009, 1,014 animals received PEP; no failures were recorded. One preexposure vaccination failure was recorded.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Texas PEP protocol was used during the 10-year period. Results indicated that an effective PEP protocol for unvaccinated domestic animals exposed to rabies was immediate vaccination against rabies, a strict isolation period of 90 days, and administration of booster vaccinations during the third and eighth weeks of the isolation period.
authors.affiliation: Texas Department of State Health Services, Zoonosis Control Branch, MC 1956, PO Box 149347, Austin, TX 78714, USA. Pam.Wilson@dshs.state.tx.us
authors.forename: Pamela J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Ernest H
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Oertli
authors.forename: Patrick R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Hunt
authors.forename: Thomas J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Sidwa
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002415:Cats; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004285:Dogs; D011818:Rabies / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D011819:Rabies Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013781:Texas / Q000453:epidemiology; D014611:Vaccination / Q000662:veterinary
chemical_list: D011819:Rabies Vaccines