Rabies Prevention and Control Program

The Sheboygan County Division of Public Health follows up on animal bites that have the potential to spread rabies in humans or domesticated animals. 
Rabies is caused by a virus that infects the central nervous system in mammals. 

It is almost always transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.  

The majority of rabies cases in the United States occur in wildlife including raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats.  Rabies is invariably fatal, however, effective vaccines are available to protect people, pets and livestock.
USDA National Rabies Management Program

One of the most effective ways to prevent rabies infection is immediately thorough cleansing of the animal bite or scratch wounds with soap and water for 10-15 minutes.

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Person Bitten by a Pet

Person Bitten

If you were bitten by a pet (cat, dog, or ferret) you should wash the wound with soap and water and then seek medical attention. A quarantine is required for the offending animal to make sure the animal doesn't have rabies. This quarantine is issued by an officer, which is why it is important to contact law enforcement after a bite has occurred. Please fill out the Animal To Human Bite/Exposure Report Form and return to our department.

Pet Owner

If your pet has bitten someone, here is what you can expect:  Provide proof of current rabies vaccination Your pet will be issued a quarantine order in accordance with WI State Statute 95.21(5)(b) and (c). You will be required to have your pet be seen by a vet 3 times within this time period. A quarantine is issued by law enforcement of the jurisdiction where the bite occurred.  At the end of the quarantine you will need to show proof to the issuer of the quarantine that this has been completed.

Sheboygan County Public Health does not provide legal advice during these incidents. 

Person Bitten by a Wild Animal

If you were bitten by a wild animal you can use the Rabies Algorithm (DHS)  to see if the animal has potential to spread rabies.

If you were bitten or scratched by a wild animal please call Sheboygan County Public Health as soon as possible. If you are able, please catch the animal and euthanize it for testing for rabies. 
Our department does not have the capability to euthanize animals. You may be able to contact a local vet for euthanasia. The head of the animal MUST be intact in order to complete rabies testing. A sample must be kept in refrigeration NOT frozen. All rabies samples are fee exempt as long as there is a suspected exposure. Samples are sent to the WI State Lab of Hygiene. 

Bats are a particular concern when it comes to rabies. This is due to bites and scratches from bats that may go unnoticed if a person is sleeping, very young, or mentally incapacitated. If a bat is found in a room with a young child, someone sleeping, or mentally incapacitated then the bat should be tested for rabies if possible, or rabies post exposure prophylaxis should be obtained. For further information on how to safely capture a bat for testing, please see the DATCP website. 

If an individual is not able to locate the animal that had bitten them, Rabies Post Exposure Prophylaxis is recommended (if the animal is capable of carrying rabies, which is most mammals). 
Please contact your primary care physician or local emergency room for Rabies Post Exposure Prophylaxis. 

Pet Bitten by a Wild Animal

If your pet was bitten (or had interaction with a wild animal and it is unknown if the pet was bitten) and the wild animal is unavailable for testing, the pet must undergo a quarantine to assure that rabies was not contracted. Please contact our office to discuss further. 

Please fill out the Animal To Animal Bite/Exposure Report Form and submit it to our office.

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Helpful Tips

It’s always best to stay away from wild animals, stray dogs and cats, and to be careful with other people’s pets.  

Helpful tips on preventing bites:

• Always have your pet on a leash when not in the home

• Always ask before petting another individual’s pet

• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings

• Look for warning signs of aggressive behavior before petting a pet

• When knocking on a strangers door step back to create space between you and the door in case a resident accidentally lets their dog out when opening the door

• No Bites! Dog Safety Tips for Kids

Always make sure your pet is up-to-date with their vaccinations, including rabies. Rabies vaccinations for pets are required per WI State Law, and for good reason. It is our best defense against the deadly virus. 

If you see a stray animal, an animal acting strangely or if you are bitten, notify animal control or law enforcement in your area. 

Additional Resources

Animal to Animal Bite Report Form

Animal to Human Bite Report Form

Bats And Rabies 

DNR Bat Exclusion Information

Dog and Cat Bites 

CDC Rabies Prevention Webpage

Rabies Bites

DHS rabies fact sheet

State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services Rabies Prevention Flowchart/Algorithm

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Questions and Resources

Do you have questions about our Environmental Health Program in Sheboygan County? 
Contact us at (920) 459-3207 or email at environmental.health@sheboygancounty.com. 

 

3/13/2025