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RABIES PREVENTION & EXPOSURE RESPONSE

Rabies is a serious disease caused by a virus. It affects the brain and nervous system. Once symptoms begin, rabies is almost always fatal. The good news is that rabies can be prevented if treatment is started quickly after an exposure.

Rabies spreads through the saliva of an infected animal, most often through a bite. In West Virginia, rabies is most commonly found in wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.

The Marshall County Health Department helps investigate animal bites and possible rabies exposures. We work with healthcare providers, veterinarians, animal control agencies, and state laboratories to protect the health of our community.

WHO SHOULD I CALL?

For Domestic Animal Exposures

Examples: dog bites, cat bites, scratches, or contact with a domestic animal.

• Contact Marshall County Animal Control at (304) 843-1640.

For Wild Animals Acting Sick or Strangely

Examples: bats found during the daytime, aggressive raccoons, animals that appear sick, confused, or unusually tame.

• Contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) at (304) 825-6787.

After Hours, Weekends, or Holidays

Outside of regular working hours, contact the Marshall County Sheriff's Department at (304) 843-1500.

Medical Emergencies

• Call 911.
• Seek immediate medical attention for serious injuries.

SERVICES WE OFFER

The Marshall County Health Department provides:

• Animal bite investigations
• Rabies exposure assessments
• Guidance for animal quarantine and observation
• Rabies testing coordination
• Rabies education and prevention information
• Support for healthcare providers and veterinarians

BITTEN, SCRATCHED, OR EXPOSED TO AN ANIMAL?

TAKE THESE STEPS RIGHT AWAY

1. Wash the area well with soap and water.

2. Contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

3. Report the incident to the Marshall County Health Department.

4. If you can do so safely, collect information about the animal:
   • Type of animal
   • Color and markings
   • Where the incident happened
   • Owner's name and contact information
   • Rabies vaccination status, if known

DO NOT:

• Touch wild animals.
• Try to catch a wild animal yourself.
• Handle bats with bare hands.
• Destroy an animal unless instructed by public health officials.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A REPORT IS MADE?

After a bite or possible exposure is reported, the Health Department may:

• Review the details of the incident
• Determine if there is a risk of rabies exposure
• Verify vaccination records
• Require quarantine or observation of the animal
• Arrange rabies testing when needed
• Provide recommendations for medical follow-up

IF YOUR PET HAS CONTACT WITH A WILD ANIMAL

Contact your veterinarian and the Marshall County Health Department if your pet:

• Has been bitten by a wild animal
• Has fought with wildlife
• Was found carrying a bat
• Had contact with a potentially rabid animal

Have your pet's rabies vaccination records available.

RABIES TESTING

Some animals may need to be tested for rabies after a bite or exposure.

Do not handle or move a sick, injured, or dead animal without instructions from public health officials.

Contact the Marshall County Health Department for guidance on rabies testing.

PREVENTING RABIES

Protect Yourself

• Stay away from wild animals.
• Never keep wild animals as pets.
• Do not feed wildlife.
• Teach children not to approach animals they do not know.

Protect Your Pets

• Keep rabies vaccinations up to date.
• Keep pets under your control.
• Use a leash when walking dogs.
• Do not leave pet food outdoors.

NUISANCE WILDLIFE

If you need help with the presence of wild animals on your property (e.g., bats in your attic), please visit the WV DNR webpage on Nuisance Wildlife in West Virginia.

There, you can find a current list of licensed Wildlife Damage Control Agents in West Virginia. 

ORAL RABIES VACCINE (ORV) BAIT PROGRAM

Wildlife agencies sometimes place oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits in parts of West Virginia. These baits help prevent rabies in raccoons and other wildlife.

You may occasionally find a bait in your yard, a park, or a wooded area.

Visit our ORV Bait Program page to learn:
• What the baits look like
• What to do if you find one
• What to do if your pet picks one up or eats one
• Safety information for people and pets

[Learn More About ORB Bait Drops]

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What animals can get rabies?

A: Only mammals can get rabies. Common rabies carriers in West Virginia include bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.

Q: Can I get rabies from a scratch?

A: Possibly. If saliva from an infected animal enters broken skin, there may be a risk of exposure.

Q: Do I need rabies shots after every animal bite?

A: Not always. The need for treatment depends on the type of animal, the situation, and whether the animal can be observed or tested. Always consult your primary healthcare provider when making decisions on what medical treatments are necessary.

Q: Can rabies be prevented?

A: Yes. Rabies can be prevented if medical treatment is started soon after an exposure.