Breathitt Veterinary Center Rabies Testing Guidelines

The BVC has been designated by the Kentucky Department for Health Services as an official rabies testing laboratory. Brains of suspect animals are examined by fluorescent antibody (FA) testing and a portion of the brain will be sent to the Department for Health Services Rabies Laboratory in Frankfort for animal inoculation studies when human exposure is involved. Rabies examinations are completed on a no-charge basis. Reports are telephoned to the County Health Department and mailed to the submitting veterinarian, owner, and County Health Department.

Kentucky Department for Health Services rabies shipping containers are to be used for shipping brains/heads of rabies suspect animals. These containers ARE NOT TO BE USED for any other purpose. Containers may be obtained through your local county health department. Sterilized containers are returned to the submitter via UPS. Approved containers may be shipped by bus to the laboratory.

Special rabies submission forms are available. (see Accession Forms.)