California Rabies Law
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Claims
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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