October 11, 2015
Local Rabies Law – Nebraska
When Nebraska encounters an animal with rabies, animal testing is conducted by the Kansas State University (KSU) Rabies Laboratory, though it is Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) that pays for testing for specific specimens if a human is exposed. NDHHS will not cover charges for euthanasia, shipping or handling. One must use the KSU Rabies Diagnostic Testing Requisition form for animal testing. One can reach NDHHS by calling 402-471-293 and/or visiting their website: http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/default.aspx.
Before submitting samples one must consult with KSU Rabies Laboratory at 783-532-4483 for proper preparation. If a sample is accepted for submission, …show more content…
Once this vital information is received, the LHD must follow up to ensure proper protocols have been adhered in regards to potentially exposed persons to the disease, in addition to offering recommendations for case management. Regardless of the result, KSU Rabies Laboratory will contact NDHHS-OE of all test findings via electronic reporting to the NDHHS NEDSS system.
The common wildlife reservoirs are: skunks, foxes, bats and raccoons. The common domestic animal reservoirs are: cats, horses and cattle. Lagomorphs and rodents have not been known to transmit rabies to their owners as they are never carriers of this disease themselves, although rodents and lagomorphs that are caged outside can be an exception to this fact.
If an unprotected (not vaccinated) domestic animal has been bitten by an unidentified animal, be sure to quarantine the animal as safely as possible and heed the health recommendations for the exposed