Did you know that there is a lab in Kansas that can serum test blood samples for rabies titers upon request? The Kansas State Laboratory offers this service. It is usually requested for animals being exported, but can also be requested for diagnostic purposes as well.

Many times laws are passed that prohibit the “pet” ownership of wildlife on the grounds that there is no proven efficacy of rabies vaccinations in wild animals. This is because laboratory tests require 100 or more of a species being tested, with half having been vaccinated, and half not, and then all exposed to rabies virus to be sacrificed to prove the vaccine works. All the vaccinated animals must not contract the disease and all of the non-vaccinated animals must become rabid in order for the experiment to be a success.

So it is easy to see, this sort of testing is never going to happen with tigers or pumas, or any other rare zoological specimen. Instead, AZA zoos vaccinate anyway, knowing that a killed vaccine offers no threat and probably a lot of protection. And zoos have taken titers to document the antibody response to the vaccine. Titers are a strong indication of immunity being developed.

A titer of 0.5 I.U./mL is required for animals exported to most rabies-free areas. Please note there is not an established "protective" titer in animals.  Individual interpretation is the responsibility of the submitting veterinarian.

How can exotic cat owners get past this unavoidable truth that our felines will never be used in experimentation required to gain ‘legal’ protection from rabies vaccination?

Gathering blood samples of our cats, before and after rabies vaccinations would go a long way towards building a factual database that documents the rise in titers in our various cat species post-vaccination, and also document how long this protection lasts.

When your feline is at the vet to be sedated anyway, such as when it is being declawed as a kitten, taking a blood sample and having it sent off to Kansas State University could help save its life or another feline someday.

The comprehensive FCF database of blood sample reports needs both samples before vaccination, and anytime after from all our various feline species. If your vet will administer a rabies vaccination (some will, some won’t) then send in the blood samples and share the results with the FCF. We will collect such info and compile it for others.  After vaccination, next vet visit, draw some blood – whether its two weeks later, or 6 months later – each text is an indication of titer levels at many different times and taken together, we can get a picture of what kind of protection our cats gain from vaccinations.

Lab-tested blood sample results of the various feline species kept in captivity that show high titer levels are a strong piece of evidence in support of immunity to rabies. 

Have your vet collect 2 mls of serum, minimum amount 500 micro liters of serum. All specimen tubes must be labeled with the Patient's Name/identification number. All samples must have an accompanying KSU RFFIT submission form.   Serum should be removed from the clot and packed in a leak proof container with absorbent material. This package should be placed inside of a second container with gel packs or dry ice. .  Individuals responsible for payment should include a $30.00 per sample fee by check, money order, or credit card form. Please make checks payable to KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY – RFFIT Overnight service is recommended. Shipping charges are the responsibility of the shipper. Results will be mailed within 7-10 days of the set up date. Results will be faxed or phoned upon request

If you have additional questions or wish for a Rabies antibody testing form by the RFFIT Method, please call 785-532-4483 or email rabies@vet.k-state.edu or gain forms and information at the Kansas State Veterinary College web site