Animal Bite Investigation and Control

When a dog or cat bite occurs, the animal shall be quarantined for 10 days, and said owner of the animal shall provide a copy of the current rabies vaccination records to the Clinton County Health Department. Per Iowa Code §351.33, every owner of a dog six months of age and over shall obtain a rabies vaccination for such animal.

The Clinton County Health Department works with patients, animal owners, physicians, and law enforcement officials to determine the risk of rabies and the need for rabies shots.

More Information on Rabies    Recommendations for Managing Human Rabies Exposure

If an individual would like an animal tested for rabies (e.g., bat or rodent testing), information on where testing can be done as well as how to transport the specimen can be found on the Iowa Department of Public Health website.

Rabies Testing Fast Facts

Rabies Exposure Consultation

Rabies exposure consultation can also be obtained from the Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology:

• During business hours call: 800-326-2736
• After-hours call: 515-323-4360 (the Iowa State Patrol will contact the person on call)