Rabies Protocol for Dogs and Cats Exposed by Other Domestic Animals
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health has jurisdiction over domestic animals that are potentially exposed to rabies by other animals, and domestic animals that have potentially spread the virus by biting or scratching another animal or a person.
Contact the local Municipal Animal Inspector to report animal bites or other potential rabies exposures:
Municipal Animal Inspector List
Notice to Municipal Animal Inspector of Possible Exposure to Rabies
The Massachusetts Department of Animal Health, Division of Epidemiology makes all decisions regarding humans that have been potentially exposed to rabies through an animal scratch or bite. Any non-domestic animal biting or scratching a human must reported to DPH Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.
Rabies Protocols
For domestic animals that have been bitten, scratched, or potentially exposed to rabies by another domestic animal:
Rabies Protocol: Domestic Animals Exposed to Another Domestic Animal
For domestic animals that have been bitten, scratched, or potentially exposed to rabies by wildlife:
Rabies Protocol: Domestic Animals Exposed to Wildlife
For dogs and cats that have bitten humans:
Rabies Protocol: Dogs and Cats that Bite Humans
Defining the terms:
Rabies Protocol: Quarantine Definitions
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Regulations: Prevention of the Spread of Rabies
The Department of Animal Resources, Division of Animal Health enforces regulations regarding the prevention of the spread of rabies found in 330 CMR 10.00.
Authority for these actions is found in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 129: Livestock Disease Control.