Barry Eaton District Health Department provides consultation and follow-up on animal bites or exposures to ensure victims are evaluated and provided post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies, when indicated.

Rabies is transmitted when saliva from infected mammals is introduced into bite wounds, open cuts, or onto mucous membranes. 

During 2004, the Communicable Disease staff at Barry Eaton District Health Department provided follow-up for 516 cases of animal bites or exposures. In 24 of these cases, rabies post-exposure prophylaxis was recommended, usually because the biting animal was unavailable for testing.

If a domestic mammal, such as a neighbor’s dog or cat, bites you it is important to know that the animal must be observed for a period of 10 days, even if the pet is current with all vaccinations. Although uncommon, vaccine failures do occur in pets. It is equally important to know that the animal does NOT necessarily have to be euthanized to determine the need for rabies vaccine for the victim. A period of quarantine, often at the pet’s home, can usually be arranged. If the animal is healthy after 10 days, no further care is required.

If a wild animal bites you, it is important to keep the animal contained, if possible. If the animal is one that is known to carry rabies in Michigan, it will be euthanized and tested to determine the need for rabies vaccine for the victim. If the animal is unavailable for testing, it is more likely that rabies vaccine will be recommended.

For more information on rabies, click here.