Division of Environmental Health
(906) 475-4195

All animal bites which occur in Marquette County must be reported to the Division of Environmental Health.

Marquette County Health Department
Division of Environmental Health
184 US 41 East, Negaunee MI 49866
Tel: 906-475-4195 Fax: 906-475-6500

A written report must be filed using the Animal Bite Report Form.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease and continues to be a serious public health problem. Rabies is spread by being bitten or scratched by an infected (rabid) animal. Bats in particular are widespread carriers of rabies, as are raccoons, skunks and fox. To protect yourself and your domestic pets from possible exposure to rabies follow these few simple guidelines:

1. Keep all of your domestic pets current on rabies vaccinations.
2. Do not let your pets wander outdoors unsupervised. Always know the whereabouts of your pet.
3. Never approach or touch any wild animal, stray animals or pets you do not know well.
4. Do not encourage any wild animals to live in your neighborhood by making pet food, garbage or handouts available to them.
5. Install a chimney cap to prevent raccoons and other animals from living in your home.
6. Seal areas around your home that animals may use as a den, such as an attic, crawl space, or areas under your porch or deck
7. Check the foundation and eaves of your home to ensure wild animals cannot gain entrance to your home. Remember: bats can squeeze through a very tiny hole.

It is not always possible to determine that an animal is infected with rabies by simple observation. Signs in an animal which should lead you to suspect that it may be rabid are:

• Nervousness
• Aggressiveness
• Excessive drooling and foaming at the mouth

Abnormal behavior such as:

• Wild animals losing their fear of human beings
• Animals normally active at night being seen during the day

If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal (all cats, dogs, or ferrets, regardless of whether or not they have been vaccinated for rabies) you should take the following steps:

• Wash the wound thoroughly.
• Seek medical attention, if necessary, depending on the severity of the bite.
• Report the bite to your local health department (at 906-475-4195) or you may contact your local police department.
• If possible, confine the animal for a period of 10 days for observation.
• Do not let your animal outside unattended and do not let it run loose or come in contact with any animal which does not live with you.

If you have questions with regard to animal confinement you may call the Division of Environmental Health at 906-475-4195.

If the animal cannot be captured, you should seek medical attention immediately for rabies vaccine.

For all wild animals:

If the animal can be captured, it should be humanely euthanized,processed at a local veterinarian and submitted to the Marquette County Health Department for testing. Do not bring in live animals.

If the animal cannot be captured, seek medical attention immediately and begin rabies vaccine at once.

The Michigan Department of Community Health will test animals submitted for rabies testing at no cost to the public; however, the Department of Environmental Health will bill individuals for the cost of the FedEx overnight shipping charges associated with submission of rabies specimens. The average cost is between $25.00-$35.00 but this can vary depending on the weight.

For more information please visit these Websites:

CDC (Centers for Disease Control)

The Michigan Department of Community Health

Remember: Keep your pets vaccinated, keep them under supervision, avoid contact with wildlife or stray animals, and report all animal bites to the Marquette County Health Department at 906-475-4195 or to your local police department.