Fox, Skunk or Other Wild Carnivores: The Animal IS Available for Testing

Animals include fox, skunk, weasel, bobcat, raccoon, coyote, opossum, mink or other wild carnivores.

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Have the animal euthanized and submit the head for rabies testing as soon as possible. 

There is no observation period for this group of animals. They should be tested regardless of age or vaccination status, or whether they are wild or kept as pets.

If the bite was from a skunk (1) or if the animal was exhibiting signs suggestive of rabies, or if bites were severe or involved the head/neck area, consider initiating post-exposure prophylaxis while laboratory results are pending.(2) Otherwise, prophylaxis can usually be safely delayed until test results are known if results can be obtained within a reasonable period of time. (3)

(1) About 4% of the skunks tested at the State Lab of Hygiene are positive for rabies.

(2) See the detailed post-exposure prophylaxis treatment regimen.

(3) The question of how long prophylaxis can be delayed is a judgment call. There is no unequivocally "safe" period to wait. In general, if the animal showed no clinical signs of rabies, and the bite was provoked and did not involve wounds to the head/neck, and if the wound was washed promptly and thoroughly with soap and water, it is probably reasonable to delay prophylaxis for up to about 48 hours while awaiting test results. Consult state health officials for recommendations on specific scenarios.

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