PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management has notified Rhode Island veterinarians, animal control officers, shelter staff, kennels, and pet shops of a voluntary recall of a particular batch of rabies vaccine by its manufacturer. All animals (cats, dogs, and horses) that have received vaccine with this specific serial number cannot be considered immunized or protected against rabies until they have been properly re-vaccinated with an approved and effective product.

The manufacturer, Forte Dodge Animal Health, has voluntarily recalled all existing RabVac 3 TF (serial 873113A) rabies vaccines produced and distributed from November 1, 2004 through the product expiration date of June 29, 2006. The company has notified veterinarians who buy directly from the company of the recall, and has suggested that they check their records and notify clients whose animals were given vaccine from the affected batch. Animal owners themselves can check their pets' rabies certificates; often, the manufacturer and serial number are recorded.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed that a 13-month-old dog, vaccinated with vaccine with this serial number in May of 2005, contracted rabies in January 2006 in Connecticut. Subsequent investigation by the CDC and the US Department of Agriculture, as well as by Fort Dodge Animal Health, indicates that the vaccine failed to provide protection in this animal and in laboratory challenges.

Veterinarians and animal health officials should contact Forte Dodge Animal Health at 800-533-8536 for information concerning the recall of product and with medical questions. DEM's state veterinarian and/or animal health section staff can be contacted at 222-2781 for guidance and information of management of animals involved in rabies exposures and incidents.