All animal bites to humans are investigated by the health department and is considered a reportable disease due to the potental transmission of rabies, which is fatal. Animal bites are considered a serious public health threat and a medical urgency in order to determine risk of acquiring rabies. Although rare, once a human contracts rabies, it is fatal.

Contact us to report an animal bite and to inquire about the procedure for rabies testing in animals, rabies post-exposure vaccination, and risk assessment of a bite.

For more information on rabies, visit the following websites:

MO DHSS - Rabies
CDC - Rabies