TITLE 12. HEALTH

STATE BOARD OF HEALTH

Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the State Board of Health intends to consider amending 12VAC5-105, Rabies Regulations. The purpose of the proposed action is to update the regulation after a periodic review. The regulation ensures public awareness of approved rabies clinic locations and provides a model plan for rabies exposure response. Additionally, the regulation provides guidance for all providers and localities on maintaining rabies clinic data, the appropriate use of rabies vaccine exemptions, and the implementation of a model plan for rabies exposure response, including clearly defining local health department and local authority roles and responsibilities and effectively responding to companion animal and human exposures to rabies. Following a 2024 periodic review, the proposed amendments being considered will (i) conform the regulation to statutory changes; (ii) remove outdated information; (iii) update best practices; (iv) respond to industry, academia, and public health developments; (v) clarify regulatory standards; and (vi) possibly include any additional amendments deemed necessary in response to public comment or input from industry and subject matter experts.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: §§ 3.2-6521 and 32.1-12 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: July 29, 2026.

Agency Contact: Julia Murphy, DVM, State Epidemiological Veterinarian, Virginia Department of Health, 101 North 14th Street, 15th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 864-8113, fax (804) 864-8131, or email julia.murphy@vdh.virginia.gov.