How to Handle Bite Cases

If the suspect animal has had contact with a human, do the following as soon as possible:

1. Treat wound. Stimulate bleeding and wash with soap over running water.
2. Apply disinfectant either alcohol or tincture of iodine.
3. Seek medical advice at your nearest Animal Bite Treatment center (ABTC)
4. Obtain information about the animal if available.

How to handle the animal

1. Confine the animal and observe for 10-14 days. Continue feeding the animal.
2. If the animal is alive, it is free from Rabies.
3. If found dead, rush the head of the animal to a Diagnostic Laboratory.

How to Prepare the Specimen

1. Cut the dog’ head with use of a sharp knife. Be sure you are wearing a protective body covering (mask/gloves).
2. Put the specimen in a clean plastic bag. Place ice inside the container.
3. Seal in a leak-proof container (ice box).
4. Write name of dog owner, date of death and history.
5. Label specimen with “CAUTION: RABIES SUSPECT”
6. Never add any preservative such as alcohol, formalin, etc., to avoid alteration of laboratory result.