Animal Bites
Lincoln County Health Department works with veterinarians, law enforcement, health care providers, the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene, victims of animal bites and animal owners, to ensure investigation of all reported animal bites are followed up with and completed properly. Investigation includes animal observation, testing of the biting animal and possible treatment of the victim. In most cases, observation or testing of the biting animal will rule out the possibility of rabies.
What to Do if You Have Been Bitten by an Animal
- Wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least five minutes.
- See a healthcare provider immediately, even for minor wounds.
- Immediately confine the pet and contact your veterinarian or local law enforcement. If the bite is from a wild or stray animal, DO NOT try to capture the animal unless you are sure you can do so without incurring injury.
- DO NOT destroy the animal which has bitten a person or other animal. Contact local law enforcement if the animal who has bitten is a pet (e.g. dog) or the Lincoln County Health Department if the animal who has bitten is a wild animal (e.g. bat).
- If an animal suspected of having rabies cannot be observed or tested, or if the animal tests positive for rabies, treatment of the individual with rabies immune globulin and the vaccine series must begin immediately.
