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Domestic Companion Animal Reporting


Reporting Requirements

      Veterinarians, certified animal control officers (ACOs), and managers of an animal facility or animal rescue organization are required to report diagnosed cases of the reportable zoonotic diseases, suspect or confirmed rabies in animals, and suspect or confirmed communicable disease outbreaks in domestic companion animals as outlined in N.J.A.C. 8:57-2.7 a-c. Reporting of persons bitten by an animal or otherwise potentially exposed to rabies is required within 12 hours (N.J.A.C. 8:57-2.7 d).   

Veterinary diagnostic laboratories are required to report positive test results in domestic companion animals for the zoonotic diseases as outlined in N.J.A.C. 8:57-2.7 i. 

“Domestic companion animal” means any domestic dog, cat, ferret, bird, reptile, rodent, rabbit (not raised for food or fur) or other animal kept primarily as a household pet for personal appreciation and companionship. It includes feral and free-roaming dogs and cats but does NOT include livestock, wildlife, or research animals. 

Download a Printable List of Reportable Conditions in Domestic Companion Animals 

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Reporting Timeframes and How to Report

Reports should be made by close of the next business day (unless otherwise specified) to the local health department where the domestic companion animal or outbreak is located. Copy NJDOH Office of Veterinary Public Health on written reports via email at zoonoticrn@doh.nj.gov or fax at 609-826-4874. 

  • Find your LHD: Use the Find Your Local Health Department locator to locate your LHD.

 Veterinarians, ACOs, Animal Facilities or Animal Rescue Organizations 

 Report to the local health department where the domestic companion animal or outbreak is located by telephone, email, or fax. 

Submit a Zoonotic Disease Incident Report Form (CDS-32) or other written report.  

Required Information:

  • Disease name and number of cases  
  • Animal name, age, sex, breed, color, clinical signs, laboratory test results, relevant history, treatment, outcome, other animals housed on premises  
  • Persons exposed to animal and any known human illnesses associated with the case
  • Contact information for person reporting, animal owner, veterinarian, and animal facility (if applicable)  
  • Location and contact information where the animal was purchased or acquired if in past 6 months  

Animal facility managers are also required to immediately notify the supervising veterinarian overseeing the disease control and healthcare program at the facility of any suspected or confirmed outbreak in animals currently or recently housed at the facility. 

Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories 

Report via email or fax. 

Required information:

  • Laboratory name, address, and telephone number  
  • Name, age, and species of the animal  
  • Address of the animal owner (if owned), and the animal facility at which the animal is located (if applicable) 
  • Test performed and result  
  • Specimen source, type, date collected, and date tested  
  • Name, address, and telephone number of the veterinarian or veterinary clinic that ordered the test 
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Resources

Domestic Companion Animal Reportable Diseases: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/reporting/when/dcard.shtml

CDS Rabies Page: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/rabies.shtml

Office of Veterinary Public Health Page: https://www.nj.gov/health/vph/

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