General Assembly OKs alternative to rabies vaccine

A bill that would allow a test used to determine rabies antibodies in lieu of a vaccination passed the Senate Jan. 28 by 20 votes with one absent.

The bill unanimously passed the House June 30 – the last day of last session – and now awaits Gov. John Carney's signature.

The bill gives veterinarians and pet owners the ability to exempt an animal from mandated rabies vaccination based on infirmity, disability, illness or other medical consideration. Instead of a vaccination, a Titer test, which measures a pet’s antibodies to combat rabies, can be used if a veterinarian deems it necessary to protect the animal’s health.

A similar bill had been tabled in 2018 following a public hearing in which several veterinarians voiced their concern over substituting a Titer test for a rabies vaccine.

Al Casapulla, a proponent of the bill, which is named Maggie’s Pet Vaccine Protection Act for a pet he lost after she was over vaccinated, said he is pleased owners now have an option other than a state-mandated vaccine. “HB 214 takes the state out of the equation and allows the vet to use his or her professional judgement on what the proper thing is to do,” he said.