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(a) Wolves and wolf-dog hybrids are required to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian with a vaccine approved for dog use, and a rabies certificate may be issued.
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(b) Veterinarians shall inform the owner of the wolf or wolf-dog hybrid, preferably in writing, that the vaccination is considered “off label” and that protection against rabies is not guaranteed.
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(c) If a wolf or wolf-dog hybrid bites a person, the following criteria shall be used by an official of the Department of Health in dealing with the animal:
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(1) The decision shall consider, at least:
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(A) The epidemiology and risk of rabies in the species of animal in question;
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(B) Possible prior exposure to a rabies vector;
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(C) Behavior of the animal at the time of the bite;
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(D) Prior rabies vaccinations; and
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(E) Other circumstances that may exist;
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(2) In some situations, the department shall consider the initiative and willingness of the individual so exposed to submit to postexposure antirabies immunization after being adequately informed of all potential risks;
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(3) Upon written order by the Secretary of the Department of Health or a specifically designated representative, any biting animal determined to be at significant risk for the transmission of rabies shall be humanely killed and the brain tissue submitted for testing; and
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(4) The department has the authority to order the quarantine of an animal determined to be a very low risk for the transmission of rabies for a thirty-day observation period as an alternate method to euthanasia and testing.
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(d) Owners shall be notified and given three (3) business days to provide proof to the department in their animal’s defense before the animal can be euthanized.
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(e) If in the future the United States Department of Agriculture approves the use of rabies vaccines in wolves or wolf-dog hybrids, or both, then wolves and wolf-dog hybrids will fall under the same rules as dogs regarding biting humans and rabies control.
