All dogs, cats, and ferrets reported to have bitten any person are quarantined by the Local Health Department for ten (10) days for observation. This is done at either the animal owner’s home or a local animal clinic. Some general signs of rabies in animals are as follows:
- Changes in an animal’s behavior
- General sickness
- Problems swallowing
- Increased drooling
- Aggression
DO NOT SHOOT OR DAMAGE THE ANIMAL'S HEAD IF IT HAS BITTEN SOMEONE!
Dogs, cats, and ferrets, which stay well during the ten-day period, are released. Those animals which become sick are humanely euthanized and tested at the State Rabies Laboratory.
All non-domesticated or “wild animals” must immediately be humanely euthanized and tested at the State Rabies Laboratory. Domesticated farm animals are evaluated on a case by case basis.
*Note: Head of animal must be unaltered in order for laboratory to test.
What to do in Case of an Animal Bite?
Depending on the severity of the bite, call your doctor or go to a hospital emergency room.
Take a description of the animal
If possible, without endangering yourself, confine the animal so it can be quarantined.
If euthanized, DO NOT DO ANYTHING WHICH WOULD DAMAGE THE ANIMAL’S HEAD! THE HEAD MUST BE INTACT FOR TESTING .
Call the Local Health Department to begin investigation of the incident.
Rabies Prevention
Rabies vaccines are approved for dogs, cats, horses, cattle, sheep and ferrets. Proper and up to date vaccination of your pets is the first line of defense against rabies. Animal rabies vaccines should be administered only by, or under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.
The Graves County Health Department works with local vet clinics to offer rabies vaccines at mobile clinics throughout the county at a reduced rate. These mobile clinics are usually offered during the early summer; please call your veterinarian's office for details. Check back here for a schedule or check your local convenience store for fliers.
Dog Bite Prevention
4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and one in five dog bites results in injuries that require medical attention.
