What role do veterinarians play in monitoring and reporting rabies cases?

Veterinarians play a significant role in recognizing the symptoms of rabies. If rabies is suspected and especially if there is a potential exposure to a human, a veterinarian will submit the animal to the laboratory for rabies testing. Rabies is a reportable disease. Veterinarians are required to report a positive rabies detected from an animal to the State Public Health Officials and State Animal Health Officials.