Animal Bites

If an animal bite occurs, please contact the Clark County Sheriff's Office at 715-743-3221 to ensure that the biting animal is appropriately and legally observed or tested for rabies. It is also vital not to release or destroy a biting animal until a public health official or an animal control officer is consulted. The victim's physician should also be notified promptly.

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

Rabies is a viral infection of the central nervous system that affects all warm-blooded mammals and causes fatal swelling of the brain and spinal cord.

Vaccinated Animals

Vaccinated animals must quarantine in their home for 10 days under the supervision of the animal owner. The animal cannot run loose outside of the home or travel anywhere other than the vet’s office.
Three vet checks are required within 10 days from the time of the bite.

Unvaccinated Animals

Unvaccinated animals must quarantine in a facility (vet office, local humane society, etc.).
The animal owner is responsible for the cost of quarantine and transporting the animal to the vet for the three vet checks.
- 2 locations are available for Clark County residents. The first is Taylor County Humane Society, and the second is Critters R 4 Us.
Three vet checks are required within 10 days from the time of the bite.

DO NOT DESTORY OR RELEASE AN ANIMAL THAT HAS BITTEN A PERSON
until consulting with a public health official. In nearly all cases, observation or testing of the animal can eliminate the need to administer the series of injections to prevent rabies.

In the state of Wisconsin, you are REQUIRED to vaccinate your animals. For more information, click here (see highlighted on pages 3-5).

For more information on animal bites visit: DHS Rabies

Prevention Measures

Vaccinate pets and livestock.
Avoid wild or strange-acting animals.
Don’t keep wild/exotic animals as pets.
Teach kids to avoid unfamiliar animals.
Seal home openings to keep bats out.
Travelers or high-risk workers should ask about pre-exposure rabies shots.
Enforce leash laws and remove stray animals.

How Can You Prevent Rabies in Animals?

Keep vaccines up to date, avoid wild animals, spay/neuter your pets, and report strays to animal control.

What Animals get Rabies?

Only mammals can get or spread rabies—including people. Birds, snakes, and fish can't. While human cases are rare in the U.S. (1–3 per year), around 60,000 people get preventive treatment after possible exposure.

How Can I Tell If An Animal Has Rabies?

You can’t tell if an animal has rabies just by looking. Signs to watch for include sickness, trouble swallowing, excessive drooling, unusual aggression, biting at nothing (“fly biting”), unusually tame behavior, difficulty moving or paralysis, and bats found on the ground.

To report a public health emergency or communicable disease after hours, please contact Clark County Dispatch at (715) 743-3157.

Our office is closed on significant holidays & days of recognition. Please click here for more information.