Rabies is a viral disease that is transmitted from infected animals to other animals and humans.   Bites from infected animals is the most common method of transmission, but may also occur through a scratch.  Rabies is considered fatal if left untreated.   Once an infected human begins to show signs and symptoms, medical treatment rarely works.

All mammals are susceptible to rabies.   Skunks and bats are the most likely carrier of the virus in Wisconsin.  Several other animals are known carriers including dogs, cats, foxes, racoons, and livestock.  

• Reported rabies cases in WI
• Signs and Symptoms (CDC) 

Rabies is 100% preventable and exposure can be minimized by:

• Vaccinating your pets.
• Staying away from wild animals, especially those not acting normally.
• Teaching your children not approach any wild animals or unfamiliar pets.
• Excluding bats from living quarters by keeping screens in good repair and closing any small openings that allow them to enter.
• Talking to your healthcare provider if you are bitten, scratched or feel like you've been exposed.

Wisconsin State Law requires that any cat or dog that bites or scratches a person be quarantined for 10 days and observed for signs of rabies by a veterinarian.   The purpose is to ensure the rabies virus was not transmitted to the bitten or scratched person. 

Law enforcement agencies issue approximately 400 Animal Bite Orders each year in Rock County.  Our agency is responsible for ensuring that pet owners comply with the order.  Quarantine requirements will vary depending on your pet's vaccination status.

• Rabies Quarantine Requirements
• Rabies Bites! Brochure

 Completed Animal Bite Orders may be submitted by email:  RCHealthDept@co.rock.wi.us

If you were bitten or scratched by a domestic cat or dog:

• Obtain the owner contact information and vaccination status.   Bites and scratches can be reported to the local law enforcement agency for follow-up through the Rock County Non-Emergency line at (608) 757-2244.
• Wash the wound with soap and water as soon as possible.  Seek medical attention for significant wounds.
• If the animal cannot be located and rabies transmission cannot be ruled out by a quarantine, you should talk to a healthcare provider about post-exposure treatment.

You or your pet has been exposed to rabies from a wild animal*:

• Wash the wound with soap and water as soon as possible.  Seek medical attention for significant wounds.
• Please contact us immediately at (608) 757-5440 for testing.  If possible, the animal will be sent to a lab to see if it was infected with rabies.
• Watch the animal so it can be captured.   If you can contain it without being bitten again, please do so.  
• If the animal is dead or needs to be killed, try not to damage the head.   Store it in a cool place like a refrigerator, but do not freeze the animal.  This will help increase the changes of a successful test.
• If the animal cannot be captured or tested, immediately consult with a healthcare provider about post-exposure treatment.

*Bats - Bites from bats can be hard to detect due to their small teeth.  A bat being present in the room while you are sleeping or in the room of an unattended child, pet, or impaired person should be treated as an exposure.

Instructions for capturing a bat

• WI DATCP - State Rabies Control Program
• WI DHS - General and provider information
• WI State Lab of Hygiene
• CDC Rabies
• Pet Licensing