What should be done if a domestic animal not vaccinated against rabies is exposed to a rabid animal?

When a domestic animal that is not vaccinated against rabies is exposed to a rabid animal, the appropriate response is to vaccinate the exposed animal and then confine it for a period of 90 days. This protocol is essential to prevent the potential spread of rabies, a viral disease that is almost universally fatal once symptoms appear.

The vaccination provides the exposed animal with an opportunity to develop immunity to the rabies virus, while confinement allows for close monitoring of the animal's health for the incubation period of rabies. During this confinement, the owner can observe for any signs of illness that may indicate rabies infection. If symptoms do appear, prompt veterinary consultation can take place, further preventing the spread of the disease.

In this context, immediate euthanasia or simply observing the animal for symptoms does not sufficiently address the risk of rabies transmission and poses a significant risk to both the animal’s health and public safety. Releasing the animal after just 10 days does not account for the incubation period of the virus, which can vary widely, hence the necessity for a full 90-day observation period.