Welcome to the Rabies Challenge Fund.
The Rabies Challenge Fund Charitable Trust will determine the duration of immunity conveyed by rabies vaccines. The goal is to extend the required interval for rabies boosters to 5 and then to 7 years. This project depends primarily upon grassroots gifts for funding the costs of conducting the requisite vaccine trials. Our contributions to date have come mostly from kennel clubs and private individuals. The Rabies Challenge Fund Charitable Trust is a federally registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization [Fed. EIN # 84-6390682].
Essential Fundraising Efforts Continue ...
The research began in November 2007 under the direction of Dr. Ronald Schultz and The University of Wisconsin Foundation and is now in year four. We have raised the required funds needed for the first four years of the study and we now seek donations to fund year five. Continuing to raise the funds is essential so the project can continue.
With Your Help...
The Rabies Challenge Fund needs to raise a total of $1.25 million to complete the 5 and 7 year challenge studies. With your help for year five, we are another year closer to making this goal a reality!
Breaking News / Alerts
MISSOURI MEDICAL EXEMPTION ACTION ALERTA rabies bill, SB 566, has been introduced into the Missouri legislature. Learn what you can do to help get a medical exemption inserted into the bill.
MAJORITY OF MINNESOTA VETS DO NOT ISSUE 3 YEAR CERTIFICATE WHEN VACCINATING WITH 3 YEAR RABIES VACCINE
That's the finding in a survey administered to Minnesota vets published on December 14, 2011. Learn more and download survey results.
CALIFORNIA RABIES MEDICAL EXEMPTION UPDATE
On October 7, 2011, California's Governor signed Rabies Medical Exemption Bill AB258 (Molly's Bill) into law. California is the 14th state to do so!
KILLEEN, TX AND BELL COUNTY, TX APPROVE 3-YEAR RABIES ORDINANCE
June 12: The city of Killeen, TX and Bell County, TX have changed their rabies vaccine requirement from every year to every 3 years to match State law. Read news story.
NEW MEXICO MEDICAL EXEMPTION ACTION ALERT
Updated - a bill has been filed and was heard on Feb. 25. Learn more.
PENNSYLVANIA DOG OWNERS
Pennsylvania Medical Exemption Bill SB 1454 was reintroduced in the January session. Learn more.
MINNESOTA DOG OWNERS
The Board of Animal Health is planning a statewide rabies rule. Learn what you can do to help..
WACO, TX APPROVES 3-YEAR RABIES ORDINANCE
The city of Waco, TX has changed its rabies vaccine requirement from every year to every 3 years to match State law. Link to ordinance
4th YEAR BUDGET MET. ON TO YEAR 5
Year 4 of the Rabies Challenge Fund study is fully funded and underway! We are now raising funds for Year 5. Donate now
2010 SAFER PET VACCINATION SEMINAR DVD NOW AVAILABLE
A special offer for pet lovers, pet professionals and veterinarians. Learn more.
WEST VIRGINIA ADOPTS 3-YEAR RABIES VACCINE STATUTE
On June 13 became the 50th state in the country to adopt national standard! Learn more.
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Did You Know?
The RCF study will also generate data to establish the level of immunity (also called a titer) in a dog’s blood that provides protection against rabies virus. This is important because at present we have to rely upon information known about the protective rabies titer for people, which is then applied to dogs and other mammals. Once the RCF has established the protective rabies titer, it should provide a scientific basis to avoid unnecessary rabies booster vaccination..
Making a Difference
Successful efforts by the Rabies Challenge Fund have led to changing the state rabies laws/municipal ordinances to the 3-year national standard in Cheyenne, Wyoming; Wichita, Kansas; Waco, Killeen and Bell County, Texas; and the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Maine Rhode Island and West Virginia.About the RCF Study
This vaccine research project to address the duration of immunity conveyed by rabies vaccine is being performed by Dr. Ronald Schultz, Chairman of Pathobiology at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. If the Rabies Challenge Fund succeeds in raising funds to complete both the 5 and 7 year challenge studies, the second phase of the project will finance a study of the adjuvants used in veterinary vaccines, and establish a federal adverse reaction reporting system for rabies and other vaccines.
An All Volunteer Effort
The University of Wisconsin has donated all of the necessary overhead costs for these studies which normally amount to 48% of the direct research costs. Furthermore, Dr. Ron Schultz, the Principal Investigator, has volunteered his time in conducting the research. Dr. W. Jean Dodds and her staff at Hemopet are also donating their efforts, as is Founder Kris Christine. The only monies used from the pre-grant funds were IRS fees. All other monies donated to The Rabies Challenge Fund Charitable Trust go directly to funding these studies.
Year 5 Donations
1/20/2012
Quick Links
$10,000 Matching Gift Thru 12/31/11Donate to take advantage of an anonymous donor's $10,000 matching gift.
2010 Safer Pet Vaccination Seminar DVDLearn more about this special offer!
RCF Receives $60,000 BequestRead about the incredible generosity of the late Patricia Ann Styles.
Join our Mailing ListReceive timely updates and important action alerts.
Look Who's Endorsing the Rabies Challenge FundRin Tin Tin, Benji and and award-winning author Jan Rasmusen all endorse the RCF.
Join Our Facebook CommunityJoin our community and connect with other supporters of the RCF.
Thank You!
The Rabies Challenge Fund is a grassroots, team effort. Every contribution, regardless of size, moves us closer to our goal. We thank all the individuals, businesses, and breed clubs, canine clubs and associations for their generous support.
The Rabies Challenge Fund is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization studying the duration of immunity conveyed by rabies vaccines.