Animal Bites & Rabies

Rabies is a very serious disease, but it can be prevented. Knowing what to do if you are bitten or scratched by an animal can protect you and your family.

If You Are Bitten or Scratched by an Animal

  • Wash the wound right away with soap and running water.
  • See a doctor right away if:
    • You are bitten by a bat, wild animal, or stray pet—even if the bite looks small.
    • You touched or had close contact with a bat (for example, it landed on you, got tangled in your hair/clothes, or you woke up with one in the room)
    • A child may have been near a bat, even if you didn’t see a bite (bites can be too small to notice)
    • You are bitten by an unprovoked animal acting strangely
  1. Bats
  2. Cats & Dogs

What is rabies?

  • Rabies is a virus that spreads through the saliva (spit) of an infected animal.
  • It usually spreads through a bite.
  • In Oregon, rabies is most often found in bats, but dogs and cats can spread rabies if they are not vaccinated and get exposed.
  • Once someone starts showing signs of rabies, it is almost always deadly. That is why getting help right away is so important.


When rabies is not likely

  • You see a dead animal but don’t touch it.
  • You are bitten by a pet that is up to date on shots.
  • You get bitten while bothering an animal (trying to feed or catch it).
  • A bat is in your house, but you see it the whole time and know it never touched anyone.

Rabies is a rare and preventable disease that affects the brain. It spreads through the saliva of infected animals. People usually get it from:

  • Bites
  • Scratches
  • Licks on broken skin

If not treated early, rabies can be fatal. Once symptoms start, there is no cure.

In Oregon, bats are the most common carrier of rabies. However, any mammal can have it. If a wild animal bites you, get help right away. You should also get help if a dog or cat bites you.

For more information on rabies visit Rabies | CDC