What should be done to animals currently vaccinated for rabies that are exposed?

When animals that are currently vaccinated for rabies are exposed to a potentially rabid animal, the recommended action is to revaccinate them and isolate them for a period of 30 days. This process serves multiple purposes: first, it reinforces their immune protection against the rabies virus, ensuring higher levels of antibodies are present should they be infected. Second, isolating the animal allows for monitoring of any potential symptoms over a crucial timeframe, ensuring that they do not develop rabies and pose a risk to humans or other animals.

Revaccination helps in addressing the concern that, although the animal is vaccinated, the exposure could lead to a breakdown in immunity or that the vaccine might not be fully protective against certain strains of the rabies virus. The isolation period is an important safety protocol to observe any changes in behavior or health that could indicate the onset of the disease.

Other options, such as euthanizing the animal, would be an extreme and unnecessary measure for a vaccinated animal. Observing the animal without any action would leave it susceptible and could endanger other animals or humans. Allowing the animal to continue its routine activities without intervention would also pose a significant risk. Therefore, the recommended response ensures both the safety of the exposed animal and public health