Contact Information
Email Address
Office Location
304 2nd Street
Shell Lake, WI 54871
On the 2nd Floor
Phone Number
Fax Number
715-257-4585
Other Information
Emergency After Hours Contact: 715-468-4720
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Staff
Health & Human Services Director
Marie Schrankel
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Home > Departments > Health & Human Services > Public Health > Rabies Control
Rabies Control
Wisconsin Statute 254 requires that Washburn County Public Health investigates all animal bites/exposures involving humans. Public Health staff that are trained observers provide education regarding the need for medical treatment and animal quarantine or humane euthanization.
In Washburn County, vaccinated animals that bite may be quarantined for 10 days at home under Ag. 13 Regulations (providing they can secure the animal safely). The animal is observed by the trained observer twice during the 10 days. This allows pet owners to keep the animal at home, avoiding added veterinary observation costs. Home quarantine is up to the discretion of the nurse and the status of the quarantine facility.
Rabies is a dangerous virus that is caused by receiving a bite or scratch from an animal that has rabies. Rabies is fatal if not treated right away. Working immediately with law enforcement and Washburn County Public Health is extremely important after a human is bitten or scratched by an animal. For questions about rabies, including potential exposures, please call Washburn County Public Health.
Please keep the specimen refrigerated but do not freeze.
For individuals, healthcare providers and veterinarians: If you have been bitten by an animal and want to know WHAT TO DO NEXT, use the DHS Rabies Algorithm.
What to do if you have been bitten by an animal:
- Wash the wound with soap and water as soon as possible.
- Seek medical treatment immediately. Your healthcare provider will assess your risk of rabies and provide care.
- Law enforcement must be contacted if the animal is a pet, a wild animal, or a stray animal so that the animal can be quarantined and assessed for rabies.
It is important to have your pets vaccinated for rabies.
Wisconsin Statute 95.21, “Rabies Control Program”, states that the rabies vaccination is required for dogs. Vaccination is not required for indoor cats, but it is strongly recommended if a dog also lives in the home.
Did you find a bat in your home?
Per the Center for Disease Control, bats are the leading cause of rabies deaths in the United States. If you find a bat in your house, you may not know if it has bitten someone, especially children or people with reduced mental function. Please contact Washburn County Public Health at (715) 635-4400. We can assess the risk level over the phone and direct you on the next steps to take. Do not damage the head of the bat, or else testing will not be possible.