Report an Animal Bite

How do I report a possible rabies exposure?

Health care providers are mandated to report animal bites or scratches to Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) right away. Public health inspectors then investigate the risk of a rabies exposure to inform clinical assessments for post-exposure prophylaxis or RIG administration. If you do not seek medical attention after an exposure, you can self-report by calling your local health unit. 

Once a report has been received, Public Health Inspectors will investigate the risk of a rabies exposure. If the exposure is from a wild or stray animal, this could involve recommending post-exposure prophylaxis or RIG administration.

For health care providers, here is how to report a possible rabies exposure to public health:

1. Fill out the rabies report form (PDF)

2. Send it to SWPH: Fax the form to 519-539-5059

How can healthcare providers access a post-exposure vaccine form?

Some hospitals in the Southwestern Public Health region have post-exposure rabies vaccine readily available in their pharmacy. Post-exposure vaccine at local hospitals will only be given to animal bite victims if it is required.

Health care providers can also request post-exposure vaccine from Southwestern Public Health by calling the health unit and speaking with a Public Health Inspector.

A post-exposure prophylaxis and RIG administration form (PDF) is available for Health care providers to help keep track of the vaccine administration schedule for their patients. 

More information

Review these resources to learn more about preventing and treating rabies:

• View our Rabies page

• Rabies – Government of Ontario

• Rabies Prevention and Control Protocol, 2020 – Ontario Ministry of Health

• Rabies Response Program – Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT)