Case definition development for the Animal Bite Keyword Report is an iterative process. Sensitivity and specificity of keyword reports must be considered, and case definitions should depend on the report's intended use. Evaluation of the Animal Bite ICD-9-CM Code Report showed 5Á9 year olds and males have the highest proportion of animal bite-coded ED visits in NC. A snake bite report and animal bite incidence rate reports are under development. NC DETECT is a valuable source for animal bite surveillance in NC.