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Animal Bites & Rabies

Rabies is a virus that attacks the brain and nervous system. It is most commonly found in wildlife (skunks, bats, racoons, coyotes, and foxes), but pets, especially unvaccinated pets, can get rabies from infected wildlife.

Contact Info

  • Ashland County Health Department Environmental Health Division
  • 419-282-4337

There is still no cure for rabies once symptoms develop, but the disease can be stopped in people if a series of rabies immunizations are given soon after exposure. The mortality rate of rabies is 99.9% if left untreated. 

If you are bitten or scratched:

  • Immediately wash the wound with soap and water.
  • Do not delay medical advice. Call your family doctor or go to the nearest emergency department. 
  • Obtain the pet owner’s name, address and telephone number. If you can, find out if the animal has a current rabies vaccination and write down the rabies tag and license number. 
  • Complete an online Mammal Bite Report or complete the printable Mammal Bite Report and bring to the Health Department at 1211 Claremont Avenue in Ashland. 

Ashland County Health Department investigates all reported domestic and wild mammal bites.

Resources

Rabies

Ashland County Dog Warden/Dog Shelter

Mammal Bite Report Form – electronic

Mammal Bite Report Form