Rabies is spread via the saliva of infected animals, usually through an animal bite. In the US, rabies is mostly found in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, but dogs, cats, and livestock can also be infected. If a person does not receive the appropriate medical care after a potential rabies exposure, the virus can cause disease in the brain, ultimately resulting in death.

Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife, and seeking medical care after potential exposures.

After a bite, immediately wash the bite or wound with soap and water. 

Rabies exposure should always be considered after an animal bite or bat exposure. If you believe you may have been exposed to rabies, seek medical care.

Iowa Department of Public Health Rabies Consultation Line: 1-800-362-2736

For animal exposures refer to Recommendations for Managing Human Rabies Exposure to evaluate the need to test the animal and begin post-exposure prophylaxis.

Rabies exposure should always be considered after an animal bite or bat exposure. If you believe you may have been exposed to rabies, seek medical care.

Call Siouxland District Health Department for consultation at 712-234-3908. 

Iowa Department of Public Health Rabies Consultation Line: 1-800-362-2736

For bat exposures refer to Rabies Exposure Management for Bat Related Incidents to see if the bat should be tested for rabies and to evaluate the need for post-exposure prophylaxis.

For South Dakota residents: South Dakota Rabies

For Nebraska residents: Rabies | Nebraska Department of Agriculture

Rabies testing is done by examining the brain of the animal. Brain material must be intact to allow for rabies testing. To ensure that testing can be completed, follow these guidelines:

• The animal should not be smashed or stepped on. If the brain is damaged, testing may not be possible.
• The animal should be kept cold, but not frozen, and submitted to SDHD as soon as possible to prevent brain deterioration.
• The animal should be kept in a clear container or clear bag for transport to the health department if the bat will be tested.

Testing is only available after potential human exposure to rabies. We cannot have animals tested because of exposures to pets or other animals.

Please call us at 712-234-3908 for full instructions.

Results of animal rabies testing are usually available within 1-2 days. SDHD will call you when the test results are received.

SDHD DOES NOT test animals unless there is human exposure. If you have a pet that may have been exposed to rabies, please contact your veterinarian. The vet may be able to send bats or other animals to Iowa State Veterinary Laboratory for testing. Charges for testing and shipping may apply. 

State and local laws require that dogs, cats and ferrets that have bitten or exposed a human to their saliva via a break in the skin be quarantined for 10 days regardless of their rabies vaccination status. If at any time during the quarantine period, a dog, cat, or ferret shows signs of rabies, the animal should be immediately euthanized and tested.

Quarantine means that the animal is confined to the quarantine premises until released. The animal may be allowed outside in the yard when escorted and on a restraint. The animal may not be taken out in public, including on walks, to parks, or for veterinarian visits.

What to expect if your pet bites another person:

• Animal bites are reported to SDHD by various means, typically by law enforcement or by health care providers treating a bite victim.
• Upon notification of a dog, cat, or ferret bite, an SDHD environmental health official will issue quarantine orders for the animal. Quarantine lasts for 10 days, with the day of the bite being Day 0, and on Day 10 the animal is eligible for release from quarantine.
• The quarantine location may vary depending on local regulations, rabies vaccination status of the animal, and other considerations. SDHD staff and local officials make the determination of where the animal may be quarantined.
• On Day 10, or the next business day, the SDHD environmental health official will confirm that the animal is still alive and not exhibiting signs of rabies, and will issue release orders for the animal.