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.
Tips for Preventing Rabies Transmission
- Ensure dogs, cats and ferrets are up to date on vaccinations
- Keep pets under control - do not allow to run loose
- Avoid contact with wild or stray animals
- Do not keep wild animals as pets
- Protection must be used when handling pets directly after a confrontation with wildlife due to the potential for carrying residual saliva on the fur or skin from an infected animal.
For more information on rabies, visit the following websites:
www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/current/20csr/20csr.asp
Dr Howard Pue, Missouri Public Health Veterinarian, speaking on Rabies at Ste Genevieve County Health Department
