Animal Bite Investigations
Animal Bite Investigations
A bite from any animal can be serious and should be examined by a health care professional. Prompt treatment can help to prevent infection or more serious illness.
The Chief Public Health Office (CPHO) investigates reports of human exposure to a potentially infected animal to assess the risk of rabies and determine appropriate action, such as post-exposure treatment, animal observation or animal testing.
Other individuals or agencies with roles and responsibilities in the management of rabies exposure in PEI include:
- Public Health Nursing
- PEI Humane Society
- Department of Agriculture
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency
What do I do if I have been bitten or scratched by an animal?
The wound should be thoroughly washed and flushed with soap and running water to remove as much of the animal’s saliva as possible. Avoid splashing water into your eyes, nose or mouth. An antiseptic (e.g. alcohol, hydrogen peroxide) can then be applied to wounds not involving the eyes.
If the animal is a pet, get the name, address and phone number of the owner as well as a description of the animal, even when they claim that the animal’s rabies vaccinations are up to date.
See your healthcare provider, Public Health Nursing, or visit the emergency room to have the wound cared for.
Bite Prevention - Cats and Dogs
Should I report an animal bite?
Yes, you should report an animal bite immediately to a health care provider, Public Health Nursing, PEI Humane Society, or Environmental Health - 902-368-4970.
All wild animal bites are of concern. Once a biting incident involving a wild animal (such as a bat, fox, raccoon, or skunk) or a serious injury from a domestic animal (stray or pet) is reported, Environmental Health Officers will ensure that steps are taken to locate the animal, arrange for testing or observation. Appropriate and timely decisions regarding treatment of persons exposed to the animal are made by CPHO medical staff.
Exposure of a person to an animal suspected or known to be infected with rabies is reportable to the Chief Public Health Office in accordance with the Public Health Act and the Notifiable Diseases and Conditions and Communicable Diseases Regulations.
Animal Bite Incident Form
An animal bite incident report form is completed for all animal bite investigations. Additional information related to each section can be found in the Guidelines for the Management of Possible Rabies Exposure in Prince Edward Island.
