A. The final decision for animal destruction, quarantine, or other disposition of any animal other than a dog, cat, or ferret that bites a person or otherwise potentially exposes a person to rabies shall be determined through the department. The department will consider, but not be limited to:
1. The epidemiology and risk of rabies in the species of animal in question;
2. Possible prior exposure to a rabies vector;
3. Behavior of the animal at the time of the bite;
4. Prior rabies vaccinations; and
5. Other circumstances that may exist.
B. In some situations, the department will consider the initiative and willingness of the individual so exposed to submit to post-exposure anti-rabies immunization after being adequately informed of all potential risks.
C. Any biting animal determined to be at significant risk for the transmission of rabies shall, upon written order by the commissioner of health or a specifically designated representative, be humanely killed and the brain tissue submitted to the State Department of Health laboratory for rabies testing.
D. The department may order the quarantine of an animal determined to be at very low risk for the transmission of rabies for a thirty (30) day observation period as an alternate method to euthanasia and testing.