Rabies Program

Animal Bites & Rabies Prevention

All animal bites on humans are required to be reported to the Health Department. Each reported bite is recorded, and all parties involved are consulted. Each animal bite forces a decision about whether to quarantine the animal, euthanize and test the animal for rabies, or recommend that the victim submit to treatment with rabies immune globulin and a series of rabies vaccine injections.

Rabies Monitoring Program

Animal bites occurring within Perry County, Ohio should be reported to our Rabies Monitoring Program within 24 hours of the incident. The program is located at the Perry County Health Department, 2235 OH-13, New Lexington, OH 43764. Animal bites should be reported on an Animal Bite Report Form and submitted to our office.

• Animal Bite Report Form→ (PDF — opens in a new tab)

Rabies Testing

• If a resident wishes to have an animal tested for rabies, they must contract with a local veterinary service to euthanize and prepare the specimen for testing.
• Bats must be euthanized prior to submission to the Perry County Health Department. The head and neck stem must be intact and not damaged in order to properly test.
• All test specimens must be kept between 32°F and 41°F (refrigerator temperature) after being euthanized.

Information Needed to Report a Bite

• Name and age of animal bite victim (if a minor, parent's/guardian's name will be needed)
• Address and phone number of bite victim
• Location on the body where the animal bite occurred
• Treatment (if any) received
• Physician's name, address, and phone number
• If a wild animal, was the animal captured/killed for rabies testing?
• If a domestic animal, is the animal available for observation? Is it properly vaccinated against rabies?
• Name of pet/domestic animal owner, address, and phone number
• Pet/domestic animal's name (as recorded on vaccination records)
• Veterinarian's name and date the last rabies vaccination was given

Perry County Dog Warden & Shelter

Animal bite reports may also be taken by the Perry County Dog Warden. To report dog abuse or neglect, contact the Perry County Dog Warden.