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Rabies Submission Guidelines

Rabies Viral FA testing is performed by the CVMDL only when there has been NO significant human or domestic animal exposure.

When there has been human or domestic animal exposure (bite, scratch, mucous membrane contamination with blood or saliva, etc) All Rabies Viral FA testing is performed by the Connecticut State Department of Public Health Virology Laboratory at 10 Clinton Street, Hartford CT 06110. The CVMDL will only perform Rabies Viral FA Testing when there has been NO significant human or domestic animal exposure. If a complete necropsy is required, the animal may be sent to the CVMDL by prior arrangement. Under these circumstances rabies samples will be collected and forwarded to the Connecticut State Department of Public Health by courier. Rabies Viral FA testing will also be conducted at the CVMDL. The necropsy will not be performed until the animal is confirmed negative for rabies.

In cases in which specimens submitted to the CVMDL for Rabies Testing Only must be sent by courier to the State Department of Health due to exposure status, a $10.00 shipping and handling fee will be charged. If a complete necropsy is required, the animal may be sent to the CVMDL by prior arrangement. Under these circumstances the $10.00 shipping and handling fee is waved. The necropsy will not be performed until the animal is confirmed negative for Rabies virus.

NO live animals will be accepted by the laboratory.  Submission of the head only is preferred. Specimens should be properly packaged – contained in two separately sealed heavy plastic bags, preferably within a sealed cardboard container. Each specimen must be accompanied by a submission form on the outside of the container.

Rabies testing is performed Monday through Friday (excluding Holidays). Specimens should arrive at the laboratory prior to 1:00p.m. to be tested the same day. Specimens received during evenings, weekends, or holidays will be processed the next business day. Rabies examination results are reported to the submitter first by telephone, and also by case report sent by fax (if available) or US Mail.

A fee of $20.00 is charged for  Rabies Viral FA testing performed at the CVMDL. In addition, at the expense of the submitter CVMDL conducts Rabies Viral FA testing on all animals submitted without a current or confirmed rabies vaccination.