California Rabies Laws: Prevention, Reporting & Quarantine

Rabies is a deadly viral infection that is most often spread through animal bites. Symptoms include anxiety, convulsions and muscle spasms. If not treated within 48 hours, patients usually die in less than seven days. Each state has different laws regarding rabies.

Claims

• Once a report of rabies is filed, the health department will conduct an investigation. If rabies is detected, a quarantine will be placed on all animals in the designated area.

Investigation

• After quarantine has been established, a more thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the number of people and animals, as well as the size of the area, exposed to the disease.

Quarantine

• Potential rabies cases must be quarantined for safety.

  During the quarantine, an officer may kill or capture any animal in the quarantine area that is not restrained in a private residence.

Quarantined Animals

• It is a misdemeanor to hide information about the location of a rabid dog. The punishment for impeding the impounding of a rabid animal can result in a year in prison and a fine of as much as $1,000 a day as long as the person continues to inhibit the investigation.

Rabies Areas

• A rabies area constitutes a county where there is a significant public health risk from rabies. At any time, the area director can retract the label, or, the label will expire a year after declaration if no further issues arise.

Vaccinations

• Vaccinating for rabies is the best way to prevent an outbreak.

  In rabies areas where rabies poses a potential threat, dog owners are required to get a new license every two years for dogs older than 4 months. In addition, every dog must receive a rabies vaccination once a year.