Rabies Control

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.Rabies is always fatal once symptoms appear but it is entirely preventable.

Both state and local regulations require all dogs and cats to be currently vaccinated against rabies.The number of rabies cases in domestic animals has declined dramatically due to mandatory vaccination laws for dogs and cats.The vast majority of rabies cases in the United States are in wild animals.All mammals are capable of contracting rabies, but bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes are the main carriers of the disease.

All animal bites should be reported to the Hamilton County Health Department.Exposure to bats (physical contact even without a clear history of a bite) should also be reported.Local emergency rooms and physicians’ offices should send bite reports by fax to (423) 209-8111.Our telephone number is (423) 209-8110.

What we do:

• Assess rabies risk for people and animals who have been possibly exposed to rabies.
• Decide on the best course of management (confinement, testing, etc.) for animals that have possibly exposed a person or domestic animal to rabies.
• Determine the need for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

How can I protect my pets?

The best measure of protection against rabies is to keep pets up to date on rabies vaccination.Keep pets indoors or in a controlled area outdoors to keep them from coming into contact with wild animals.

What should I do if I am bitten?

If you are bitten by a wild or domestic animal or get fresh saliva from the animal into a fresh wound, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least five minutes.Seek medical attention immediately.Make sure your tetanus shot is up to date within the last 5 years.Finally, contact the office of Environmental Health at (423) 209-8110 to determine if you need to receive rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

How should a dog or cat that has bitten a person be managed?What if it is not current on rabies vaccination?

A normal, healthy dog or cat that bites a person should be confined and observed for 10 days.If the animal is alive and well after the 10 day confinement period, then the exposed person is NOT at risk for rabies regardless of the animal’s vaccination status.Any illness that occurs during this time period should be evaluated by a veterinarian.If the animal develops symptoms of rabies or dies during this period, contact us to see if rabies testing is necessary.

If the animal is a stray or is feral, please contact us for guidance.

How should a wild animal that bites a person or comes into contact with a domestic animal be managed?

Raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes should be assumed to be rabid unless proven otherwise.If the animal is available for testing, please contact us to arrange to have it tested.If the animal tests positive or is unavailable for testing, the person who was bitten must receive prophylaxis to prevent rabies.A domestic animal that comes into contact with a wild animal that tests positive or is not available for testing must, if currently vaccinated, receive an immediate booster dose of rabies vaccine and be observed for 45 days.If unvaccinated, please contact us for guidance.

What are the symptoms of rabies?

Rabies can have a variety of signs and symptoms. Some animals may become extremely aggressive while others may become depressed and lethargic. Wild animals may let people approach them. Bats may be active during the day, be unable to fly, or fly into objects. Rabid animals may walk with an odd gait or have the inability to walk, get up off the ground, or hold the head erect. They may also be unable to eat or drink. Drooling and foaming at the mouth may be observed but not in all cases.

When does an animal need to be tested for rabies and how does it work?

Any wild carnivore (raccoon, skunk, etc.) or bat that bites a person must be assumed to be rabid and should be tested if available. Any dog or cat that shows symptoms of rabies or dies during its 10 day confinement (if not currently vaccinated) should also be tested.

We send the head of the animal to the Tennessee Department of Health Knoxville Regional Laboratory for testing. Results are usually available by the end of the next business day after the animal is sent for testing.

Rabies testing is done using the direct fluorescent antibody test (DFA).This test is highly reliable and is considered the gold standard for rabies testing. It requires that the brain be intact.

I was bitten and need to receive rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. Where do I go?

The Hamilton County Health Department does NOT offer rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).In Tennessee, only hospital emergency rooms routinely keep PEP in stock. For a list of hospitals that stock PEP, visit https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/zoonotic-diseases/rabies.html.

I work with animals as part of my job. Do you offer pre-exposure vaccination for rabies?

Yes, the Hamilton County Health Department offers pre-exposure rabies vaccination for persons at higher than average risk of rabies exposure.Please contact our Travel and Immunizations Clinic at (423) 209-8340.

Do you have rabies vaccination clinics for dogs and cats?

No, we do not offer rabies clinics.

What things do you not handle regarding animals?

We only handle situations regarding rabies exposure and risk.We do not do the following:

• Wildlife removal (contact a licensed wildlife removal company)
• Handle reports of animal abuse, neglect, or hoarding (contact the appropriate animal control agency listed below)
• Perform euthanasia
• Trap, capture, or transport live animals (contact the appropriate animal control agency or licensed wildlife removal company)
• Keep live animals on our premises
• Enforce animal control laws or issue citations (this is done by animal control agencies)

For Further Guidance:

TN-Rabies-Manual.pdf

CDC Rabies Website (https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html)

Forms

Animal Exposure Report - Form - Health Care Provider.pdf