Animal Bites

In Oregon State, the chance of getting rabies from a cat or dog bit is very low, however, all bats or other high-risk wild animals should be considered rabid unless proven otherwise. If rabies cannot be ruled out in the bat then PEP (preventative serum) should be strongly considered. Animals that are at risk for rabies in Oregon include bats, cats, dogs, and foxes.

Rabies Symptoms

Behavior change
Excessive drooling or sometimes foaming in the mouth
Difficulty Swallowing
Loss of coordination of paralysis
Drooping of the lower jaw
Unusually aggressive or vicious behavior or unusual lethargy

There are a number of factors that need to be considered with each incident that determine the best course of action, therefore it is important to report the bite to a number listed below. Making sure that your tetanus vaccine is up to date, and receiving adequate wound care are also important ways to prevent disease and infection.

Reporting

Report all animal bites to the Environmental Health Specialist, or the Health Department Reporting line:
Eric Mone, Environmental Health Specialist: (541) 388-6566
Deschutes County Reporting line: (541) 322-7418

For State Laws on Vaccination, Reporting, Quarantine, etc. please visit the State of Oregon's Public Health website  (http://public.health.oregon.gov/Pages/Home.aspx).

• Rabies Prevention Information
  • Professional Guidance for Animal Bites and Rabies Control
  • Rabies Algorithm - Post Animal Bite
  • Rabies Fact Sheet
• Oregon Health Authority - Rabies

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