Rabies Control and Prevention

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a disease caused by a virus found in the saliva of infected mammals and is transmitted to pets and humans by bites, or possibly by contamination of an open cut with saliva. Because there is no cure, treatment is critical for a person who has been infected by rabies. In Wisconsin, skunks and bats are the most likely animals to carry the rabies virus, although rabies has occurred in dogs, cats, foxes, raccoons and livestock.

The Vilas County Public Health Department works collaboratively with local veterinarians, law enforcement, health care providers, the State Lab of Hygiene, the victim of an animal bite and animal owner, to ensure completion of post-exposure follow-up of all reported animal bites in Vilas County. Follow-up includes observation and 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.

If you are bitten by an animal:

All dog and cat bites must be reported to law enforcement (715-479-4441) so a proper report can be completed and follow-up can be initiated.

• Wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least five minutes.
• See a physician immediately, even for minor wounds.
• If a dog or cat, 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 that has bitten a human or other animal. Contact local law enforcement or the Vilas County Public Health Department.
• If the animal that inflicted the bite dies, refrigerate the animal. Avoid freezing.
• If the animal suspected of having rabies cannot be observed or tested, or if it tests positive for rabies, treatment of the individual with rabies immune globulin and the vaccine series must begin immediately. Vaccine injections are given in the arm.

For additional information contact law enforcement, your medical provider or the Vilas County Public Health Department at 715-479-3656.

Wisconsin Statute 95.21

Wisconsin Statute 95.21 "Rabies Control Program" requires that a dog or cat which has bitten a person must be delivered to a veterinarian within 24 hours after being contacted by the law enforcement agency or health department for examination and quarantine of not less that 10 days at the expense of the owner. If the animal is currently immunized against rabies as evidenced by a valid vaccination certificate, the animal may be quarantined on the premises of the owner, following initial examination by a veterinarian.

If no valid evidence of vaccination can be displayed, the dog or cat will be impounded by the veterinarian or at an isolation facility for at least 10 days at the owner's expense.

On or after the 10th day, a final examination will be conducted by a veterinarian who will complete the veterinarian's certificate. The signed certificate must be returned to law enforcement.

Vilas County Public Health Department
Courthouse, 330 Court Street
Eagle River, WI 54521
Phone: 715-479-3656; Fax: 715-479-3741