Rabies Resources for Veterinarians
How do I obtain an animal rabies specimen shipment box?
Rabies boxes can be ordered by calling OADDL at (405) 744-6623 or by ordering online.
Rabies submissions should be delivered to the following address:
Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab
1950 W. Farm Rd.
Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078
How long does it take to get back my rabies specimen shipment box?
It can take up to one week depending on regular business hours and holidays. Once testing is completed, the box will be shipped back using the U.S. Postal Service. If you have any questions, please contact OADDL at (405) 744-6623.
How long does it take to get rabies results?
Routine laboratory testing occurs Monday – Friday, excluding holidays. The OSDH has contracted with the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at OSU to conduct rabies testing for the state. Urgent test requests may occur on weekends or holidays following consultation with OSDH Infectious Disease Prevention and Response (IDPR). Healthcare providers, veterinarians, and animal control officers are advised to consult with the IDPR Epidemiologist-On-Call at (405) 426-8710 (24/7/365 availability) to determine if urgent animal rabies testing is warranted based on the bite circumstances, severity, and animal involved. Specimens received before 10:30 AM are normally reported by 5:00 PM on the same day, or on the next business day if submitted during the weekend. Specimens received after 10:30 AM are tested and results reported on the next business day.
Who will notify me if an animal tests positive for rabies?
An IDPR epidemiologist will contact the submitter by telephone when a specimen is positive for rabies, and when a specimen is deemed unsatisfactory for testing. An IDPR epidemiologist will also contact the animal owner and other persons that had potential contact with an animal as part of a rabies exposure assessment. Test results for all specimens are mailed to submitters. Test results for negative specimens may be telephoned or faxed when requested in writing on the Rabies Submission Form ODH-460.
Who will notify me if an animal tests positive for rabies?
The OSDH Infectious Disease Prevention and Response Epidemiologist-on-Call investigates all positive rabid animals or animals that are unsatisfactory for testing.
Does the OADDL test the animal for any other diseases?
The OADDL tests the brain for rabies at no charge, but submitters can request other tests to be run on the brain or other submitted specimens at their own expense (see OADDL test catalog).
Rabies Resources for Veterinarians:
- Veterinarian Guidance - Dog or Cat Exposed to Potentially Rabid Animal
- Rabies Animal Vaccine – Frequently Asked Questions
- Rabies Laboratory Submission Instructions
- Rabies Prevention and Control Compendium 2016
- Prospective Serologic Monitoring Protocol (NASPHV)
- Zoonotic Disease Control Rules, Ch. 599
