Rabies Diagnosis in animals
Please telephone or email the laboratory prior to the preparation and shipping of samples to coordinate the submission of rabies-suspect animals for diagnostic testing.

General Instructions for sample preparation, packaging and shipping

Procedure for Submission of Rabies Specimen

Important tip: Healthy dogs, cats, and ferrets (regardless of vaccination status) that have bitten someone and are available for observation may be held for 10 days instead of tested as recommended by the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control.

Specimen Preparation:

• Do not submit live animals.
• Ship only the decapitated animal head, unless it is a bat or small rodent.
• A trained, qualified person should separate the animal head from the body as soon as possible. For large animals, the calvarium should be opened and the whole brain should be submitted. To adhere to the National Standard Protocol, the minimum sample is a cross-section of the brainstem and the cerebellum (Specimen Collection Guide for large animals). Specimens without these tissues will be reported as “Unsuitable.” Contact us at rabies@vet.ksu.edu for further clarification.
• Immediately chill the specimen(s) to between 32° and 45° F (eg., place in a -20 freezer for 1-2 hours).
• DO NOT FREEZE! Freezing may damage the brain tissue and compromise the test.

Instructions for Packaging and Shipping:

• Place each specimen within two seal-able containers (i.e., a primary plastic bag or container and a secondary plastic bag or container sealed securely to contain any fluid).
• Attach identification matching the submission form information to the outside of each double-enclosed specimen. This is essential if more than one specimen per package.
• Place double-enclosed specimen(s) inside an inner container, such as a Styrofoam box.
• Use absorbent packing material, such as newspaper or paper towels, to cushion the specimen(s) and to absorb condensation or potential leaks.
• Place frozen gel/cold packs in the inner container to ensure samples are completely surrounded and will remain cold for at least 48 hours. DO NOT USE DRY ICE! Ice is not recommended but if used, double-bag and seal securely to prevent leakage.
• Close the inner container and place it inside the rigid outer container (cardboard box).
• Place completed rabies submission form(s) in a plastic zip-lock bag. Then place these on top of the closed inner container/box and close the outer container.
• Secure the outer container with packing tape.
• Send the package by overnight courier. A diamond-shaped UN-3373 label on the exterior of the outer container near the “Biological Substance, Category B” statement in the “send to” address is required (see our website). The UN-3373 label must have a minimum dimension of 100 mm ∞ 100 mm (3.9 inches).
• If the package is sent overnight through the United States Postal Service, the sample(s) may be labeled Exempt Animal Specimen.

The Kansas or Nebraska State Health Department as well as the submitting veterinarian will be contacted if a positive or unsuitable specimen is confirmed. When specimens are received by 12:00 pm weekdays, results are normally available by 4:30 pm. Laboratory hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, excluding State Holidays.

The Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices provide guidance that administration of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis is a medical urgency, not a medical emergency. Submissions received on Saturday will be tested the next working day. There is no routine testing on Sundays or holidays if the following day is a business day. The need for emergency testing will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and arrangements MUST be made by telephone in advance.

Biological Substance, Category B, Specimens:
Brief overview of Packaging and shipment requirements