ANIMAL BITE

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Definition

Bite or claw wound from a pet, farm or wild animal

General Information

Animal bites usually need to be seen by a physician because all of them are contaminated with saliva and are prone to wound infection.
Bites from Rabies-Prone Wild Animals: Rabies is a fatal disease. Bites or scratches from a bat, skunk, raccoon, opossum, fox, coyote, or large wild animal are especially dangerous. These animals can transmit rabies even if they have no symptoms. Bats have transmitted rabies without a detectable bite mark.
Small Wild Animal Bites: Small animals such as mice, rats, moles, gophers, chipmunks, and rabbits fortunately are considered free of rabies. Squirrels may rarely carry rabies, but have not transmitted it to humans.
Large Pet Animal Bites: Most pet bites are from dogs or cats. In most metro areas in the US, the main risk from pet bites is serious wound infection, not rabies. Cat bites become infected more often than dog bites. Claw puncture wounds from cats are treated the same as bite wounds, since they are contaminated with saliva. Bites from pet pigs or primates also have a high rate of wound infection. Bites on the hands or feet have a higher risk of infection than bites to other parts of the body.
Small Indoor Pet Animal Bites: Small indoor pets (gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, white mice, rats, etc.) carry no risk for rabies. Puncture wounds from these small animals don't need to be seen. There is a small risk for developing a wound infection.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

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