Rabies and Bites From Bats or Other Wild Animals
If you are bitten by a wild animal -- or if infectious material (such as saliva) from the animal gets into your eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound -- wash the affected area thoroughly and get medical attention immediately. Whenever possible, the animal should be captured and sent to a laboratory for
rabies testing.
People usually know when they have been bitten by a wild animal; however, bats may be a little different. Bats have small teeth which may leave marks that are not easily seen. There are situations in which you should seek medical advice, even in the absence of an obvious bite wound. For example, if you awaken and find a bat in your room, see a bat in the room of an unattended child, or see a bat near a mentally impaired or intoxicated person, seek medical advice and have the bat tested.
Rabies and Bites: What If Your Pet Is Bitten?
Any animal bitten or scratched by either a wild, carnivorous mammal or a bat that is not available for testing should be regarded as having been exposed to rabies. Unvaccinated dogs, cats, and ferrets exposed to a rabid animal should be euthanized immediately.
If the pet owner is unwilling to have this done, the animal should be placed in strict isolation for six months and vaccinated one month before being released. Animals with expired vaccinations need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Dogs and cats that are currently vaccinated are kept under observation for 45 days.
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