Rabies Resources for the General Public

Cowlitz County Health & Human Services works with animal owners, bite victims, and animal control agencies to determine the risk of rabies transmission from a bite or other exposure.  

Our role is limited to rabies prevention when exposure has occurred.   

Human Exposure
Public health nurses conduct communicable disease interviews to determine the risk of human exposure to rabies.  If there is a risk of rabies infection, we coordinate with the state public health laboratory and with veterinarians for rabies testing of animals.  If there is no risk, we cannot coordinate testing.  

Pet Exposure
If there is a potential for rabies exposure to an unvaccinated pet from a bat, pet owners can pay for testing to be done on the bat at Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab, or Oregon State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. 

 CCHHS can consult on how to safely transport and how/where to have a bat humanely euthanized prior to rabies testing. Having the bat tested for rabies is important for management of the pet. If the bat tests negative, the pet is not at risk of rabies infection. If the bat tests positive or is unable to be tested, the pet needs to be observed for symptoms and confined for a period of time.

	WHAT IS RABIES?
	Rabies is a virus that infects the brain and spinal cord. Rabies almost always leads to death if left untreated. Rabies can be prevented if treatment is given before symptoms appear.
	HOW DOES IT SPREAD?
	Rabies spreads when an infected animal bites or scratches a human or another animal. You can also get it from contact with the saliva of an infected animal. In Washington State, the bat is the only known source of rabies. If you see bats with these unusual behaviors, they are more likely to have rabies: Unable to fly Flying during daytime Making a lot of noise or otherwise acting sick
	WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE EXPOSED TO RABIES
	Anyone who has had contact with an infected bat or its saliva is at risk of getting rabies. This includes touching a bat, bites, scratches, or any other bare-skin contact with a bat or its saliva. Wash the bite, scratch, or contact area immediately with soap and water for at least 10 minutes. Contact your healthcare provider or CCHHS for guidance about treatment. If you think your pet was exposed to rabies, call your veterinarian.
	YOU CAN'T ALWAYS TELL IF YOU'VE BEEN BITTEN
	Bats have very small teeth, so it’s possible to be bitten and not know it, and a bite may not leave a clear mark. Treatment to prevent rabies may be needed if a bat is found in the room with anyone who is: Sleeping An unattended child Mentally or physically challenged, or Intoxicated
	CAPTURING A BAT FOR RABIES TESTING
	Never handle a bat with bare hands! Call Cowlitz County Health & Human Services (CCHHS) at 360-414-5599 so we can help you determine if the bat needs to be tested for rabies.  Do not touch or pick up a bat without thick gloves. Some animal control agencies and private companies can help capture a bat. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has instructions for safely capturing bats for rabies testing.
	MOST BATS DON'T HAVE RABIES
	We need bats! Bats are very important to our environment. They disperse fruit seeds, pollinate plants, and eat tons of insects. Bat droppings are an excellent natural fertilizer providing nutrients for many living things. The vast majority of bats don’t have rabies.

How can I protect my family from Rabies?

• Avoid contact with bats, wild, and stray animals. Bats are shy animals who naturally tend to avoid humans. Never touch them! 
• Bat-proof your home! Learn how to keep bats out of your home by screening windows and doors if left open, closing chimney dampers when not in use, and sealing any gaps in doors.  See WDFW’s handout Living with Wildlife for tips on bat-proofing your home.
• Teach children to stay away from bats, wild animals, and pets that they do not know well. Encourage them to report any animal bites, scratches, or contact with wild animals to an adult.

How can I protect my pets from Rabies?

Vaccinate your pets to protect them against rabies. In Washington State, up-to-date rabies vaccination is required for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Consult your veterinarian for vaccine recommendations. If your pet has an exposure to a bat, contact your veterinarian.  Your vet can help evaluate the exposure and your pet’s rabies vaccination status. Report animal-to-animal bites directly to your local animal control agencies.  If your pet has a bite or exposure to a wild animal contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet requires medical attention or signs suggestive of rabies develop.

More Information
WA State Dept. of Health Frequently asked Questions about Rabies
WA State Dept. of Health: Don't Touch Bats (for kids) -English
WA State Dept. of Health: Don't Touch Bats (for kids) -Spanish
WA State Dept. of Health: Rabies Activity in Washington
WA State Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Living with wildlife - Bats
WA State Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Hiring a Wildlife Control Operator
Idaho Fish and Game: How to Remove a Bat from your Home
Bat Conservation International: Bats in Homes & Buildings
World Animal Foundation: How to Get Rid of Bats in your Home & Garden
CDC Rabies Information
CDC Rabies Information For Kids