The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been notified by the maker of a rabies vaccine that its supply of human rabies vaccine is being used faster than expected.

Novartis, maker of RabAvert, a rabies vaccine, told the CDC that the supply of human rabies vaccine is being used at a higher rate than expected, which may affect the availability of medicine to people who are exposed to the disease.

On Aug. 14, Sanofi Pasteur announced the unavailability of its IMOVAX vaccine until late September or early October. Because of limited existing supplies, the CDC strongly recommends that health care providers, state and local public health authorities, animal control officials and the public take immediate steps to ensure appropriate use of human rabies biologics. Judicious and appropriate use of rabies vaccines is crucial to avert a situation in which persons exposed to rabies are put at increased risk due to depleted vaccine supplies, the CDC said.

Novartis is now requiring that health care providers confer with public health officials to obtain a confirmation code from a state health department before ordering vaccine doses for post-exposure use. The state health department asks health officials who need rabies vaccine in South Dakota to call 800-592-1861.

In South Dakota, the reported incidence of rabies in animals is down significantly so far in 2008, according to the state health department's infectious disease report for July. As of July 31, there were 14 cases of animal rabies reported in the state, compared to the five-year average of 51 cases.

Public health authorities, health care providers and veterinarians are encouraged to educate the public regarding precautions to avoid rabies exposure and actions to take if an exposure occurs. These precautions include vaccinating pets and livestock that have close human contact, avoiding stray and wild animals and safely capturing or detaining biting animals - preferably by animal control officials - or obtaining owner contact information for follow-up.