Animal Bites

Animal bites and prevention of rabies

A report must be submitted to Columbia County if a mammal bites a human being and the bite causes a break in the skin

How to report an animal bite

Call 503-397-7247 if an animal bites you or if you have direct knowledge that the animal bit another person. Reporting is required by Oregon law (ORS 433.345; OAR 333-018-0015.)  

• If you suspect an animal has rabies, or if you or your pet has been in close contact with an animal suspected of rabies, call 503-397-7247
• To prevent infection and transmission of disease, seek medical attention if you are bitten by an animal and it there is a break in the skin
• Complete this form →
• fax form to 888-204-8568.

Reporting requirements
If you suspect an animal has rabies, or if you or your pet has been in close contact with an animal suspected of rabies, call the Public Health Department at 503-397-7247. In addition, to prevent infection and transmission of disease, seek medical attention if you are bitten by an animal and there is a break in the skin.

Confinement and observation of animals following a bite
An animal that bites a human and breaks the skin must be confined and observed to ensure there are no symptoms of rabies. Animals shall be confined and observed for 10 days from the date of the bite. Columbia County Animal Control and Public Health determine the appropriate place for observation and confinement.

Management of possibly rabid animals that have not bitten a human
Animals that have not bitten a human, but are suspected of having rabies, or have been in close contact with another animal suspected of having rabies, will be managed according to OAR 333-019-0027 →

Prevention of Rabies
Vaccination of pets is the best way to prevent rabies. Dogs must be immunized against rabies by six months of age unless exempt under OAR 333-019-0017 →