Animal Bites

The Communicable Disease Department works with local Animal Control agencies to ensure that either the animal(s) and/or human(s) involved with an animal bite incident were not exposed to rabies.

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Animal bite incidents can range from an actual physical bite or a potential exposure to a rabid animal, such as a bat being found in a room where individuals were sleeping. The Communicable Disease Nurse will follow-up with individual(s) who are bitten or exposed to determine if treatment is needed and discuss appropriate next steps.

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To report an animal bite or exposure, please fax Animal Bite Report to 989-673-7490. 

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Rabies Testing:

If you find a bat in your house, please don't let it go until without talking to us. We provide case-by-case consultation regarding the need for post-exposure prophylaxis (rabies vaccine). 

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The Health Department also coordinates rabies testing for animals when there is a human exposure/bite involved. Call 989-673-8118 during business hours. Any animal specimens for rabies testing must be deceased and you must live in Tuscola County.