Since the 1960s the major concern in the Northwest has been rabies in bats. Rabies has not been found in other wild terrestrial animals in Washington for at least the past 60 years. Bites from domestic animals increase in the spring as well. Bites involving domestic animals should be evaluated carefully. If the bite was unprovoked or the animal is exhibiting peculiar behavior for its species, it will be necessary to place the animal under quarantine or euthanize the animal so that the brain can be recovered and tested for rabies.
Quarantine is practical for dogs, cats and ferrets.
For other species quarantine is not an acceptable option, and the animal would be euthanized and tested should the situation warrant it. If risk to a human being is likely, the veterinarian can then authorize the laboratory to perform testing of the animal brain. Once an animal brain arrives at the laboratory, results are available within 24 hours to assist with treatment decisions. Encourage victims to report bite incidents to animal control. They provide quarantine surveillance and maintain records on potentially dangerous dogs.