Frequently Asked Questions for Veterinary Staff
- What is the process for submitting a specimen for rabies testing?
Secure the specimen sample in a leakproof container (triple wrapped in plastic). The specimen should be kept refrigerated or frozen until submission. Complete the Animal Rabies Laboratory Submission Form on the Illinois Department of Public Health website and attach it securely to the specimen container.
Contact the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control (ARC) at 708-974-6140 to request a rabies specimen pick-up form. Once the form is submitted, our office will arrange a time to pick up the sample from your clinic. A $30 fee, payable via cash, check or ACH Payment: https://ipn4.paymentus.com/rotp/CARC made out to Cook County Animal and Rabies Control, is due at the time of pick up.
- Is my patient eligible for in-home rabies observation following a bite incident?
Cats and dogs that were current with the rabies vaccination at the time of the bite may complete a 10-day quarantine at home, with a veterinary exam on the first and 10th day. Pets that were not current on the rabies vaccination at the time of the bite must be impounded in a facility that has a veterinarian on site daily.
- What if I don’t think impoundment is safe for my patient or staff?
Exceptions to impoundment are occasionally granted on a case-by-case basis, when the health and safety of the animal or veterinary staff would be compromised by impoundment. Requests for exemption must be submitted by the veterinarian on hospital letterhead and include the pet’s and owner’s information, as well as the reason for the exemption request. Requests can be sent to Samantha.May@cookcountyil.gov.
- Can I request an exemption from the rabies vaccination for my patient?
Yes, exemptions are granted on a case-by-case basis, in situations where the patient’s health may be jeopardized as a result of vaccination. A request for exemption must be submitted by the veterinarian on hospital letterhead and include the pet’s and owner’s information, as well as the reason for the exemption request. Requests for exemption from vaccination can be sent to Samantha.May@cookcountyil.gov. Animals that are granted exemption from rabies vaccination are still considered unvaccinated in the event of a bite or wildlife exposure.
- A hospital staff member was bitten or scratched by a patient. What process should be followed?
Appropriate medical attention for the staff member should be addressed as first priority. Next, file a bite report with your local police department for any bite or scratch that breaks skin. A standard 10-day rabies observation should be completed. Impoundment is required if the pet was not current on their rabies vaccine at the time of the bite or scratch.
- What should I do if a patient presents for a rabies observation exam without documentation from a police department or animal control agency?
Occasionally, an owner will present to initiate a rabies observation before official documentation has been received. An observation can be initiated even in the absence of such documentation. Likewise, in some instances, clients do not receive an official order for rabies observation until after their pet has completed the 10-day observation period. No further steps need to be taken when the animal has already undergone observation and completed rabies observation forms have been submitted to ARC. Contact our office at 708-974-6140 with any case specific questions.
- My patient had an encounter with wildlife. What steps should be taken?
Wear gloves before handling a pet that had an interaction with wildlife. Bite and scratch wounds may be flushed thoroughly with water and a veterinary disinfectant cleanser for 10 to 15 minutes. This can substantially reduce the risk of disease transmission. Domestic animals that have had exposure to wildlife must undergo a quarantine period, the length of which will depend on their vaccination status and other variables. Please contact our office at 708-974-6140 for specific recommendations when treating an animal that has had an encounter with wildlife.