All animal bites to humans are investigated by the health department and are considered a reportable disease due to the potential transmission of rabies, which is fatal. Animal bites are considered a serious public health threat and a medical urgency in order to determine the 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
www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/C300-399/3220000010

www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/current/20csr/20csr.asp