MDAR - Bureau of Animal Health

Division of Animal Health and Dairy Services

Animal Health: Programs
Animal Health: Municipal Animal Inspectors
Animal Health: Publications & Forms

Rabies Information:

Information for Veterinarians, Animal Inspectors and Animal Control Officers:

Management of Dogs and Cats Exposed to Wildlife

Management of Dogs and Cats Exposed to Other Animals

Management of Dogs and Cats Which Bite Humans

Immunization Program for Dogs, Cats and Ferrets

Guidelines for Rabies Testing

Specimen Request Form

Authorizing Statute: MGL 129, Notice of Order, Records, Quarantine of Diseased Animals
MDAR Regulation: 300 CMR 10.00, Rabies Prevention
MDPH Regulation: 105 CMR 335.00, Treatment of Persons Exposed to Rabies
MDPH Regulation: 105 CMR 330.00, Vacination of Dogs and Cats Against Rabies

Bureau of Animal Health

Rabies Control Program

Although bat strain rabies has been known to exist in Massachusetts since the 1960's, a small bat population in the state and infrequent exposures limited the need for widespread awareness and control. The raccoon rabies epidemic beginning in 1992 posed new problems for public health officials. Since raccoons are so prevalant in rural and suburban areas, the potential for a large number of human and domestic animal exposures rose.

Rabies is a viral disease that can affect all mammals, including humans. The virus attacks the central nervous system and can be secreted in saliva. Because rabies affects people as well as animals, control of this disease has become a top priority for the Bureau of Animal Health. With the cooperation of the Department of Public Health and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, every angle of potential rabies exposures gets covered in order to prevent further rabies infections.

For more information, contact Mike Cahill, Rabies Program Coordinator at (617) 626-1794 or email him at michael.cahill@state.ma.us.

News and Features

2008 Rabies Vaccination Clinics

Rabies Spreads to Cape Cod (9/16/04)

More information on Oral Vaccination Project [PDF]

Related Links:

Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game

Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), State Lab

MDPH Rabies Control Website

MDPH Rabies Control Plan for Cities and Towns:

General Information

Human Exposure

Domestic Animal Issues

Wild Animal Issues

Cape Cod Oral Rabies Vaccination Program

Rabies Control Plan Attachments

More Information:
CDC: Rabies
CDC: Rabies Professional Resources
MDPH: Rabies Fact Sheet
MDPH: Preventing Animal Exposures: Guidelines for Recreational Camps

For more information, contact Mike Cahill, Municipal Animal Inspector Coordinator and Rabies Program Coordinator at (617) 626-1794 or email him at michael.cahill@state.ma.us.