Reporting Animal Bites for Health Care Professionals

Report any suspected cases immediately when a person has been exposed to a rabid or suspected rabid animal. This is required under Health Protection and Promotion Act, Ontario Regulation 557 - Communicable Diseases-General.

Report an animal bite

Step 1: Complete the report online or print the form.

Step 2: Fax the completed form back to Public Health at 905-641-4994.

Step 3: Call 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7590 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) to ensure a proper risk assessment is completed.

After hours and on weekends, call 905-984-3690 or 1-877-552-5579.

Follow-up to the report

An inspector will follow-up with the patient and will assess the appropriate response, which could be one of the following options:

Option 1: Patient is okay, no further action.

Option 2: Recommend a rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.

If the patient is 16 or under, ensure that the patient is also assessed further as per the Canadian Immunization Guidelines.

Request a rabies vaccine

Call 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7590. (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) to request rabies immune globulin and vaccine.

After hours and on weekends, call 905-984-3690 or 1-877-552-5579.

Vaccine update

Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis includes four doses on day 0, 3, 7 and 14 with the exception of those persons who are immunocompromised, including those on corticosteroids, other immunosuppressive drugs, antimalarial and those with immunosuppressive illnesses who will continue to require the fifth dose on day 28.

The ordering physician will determine if the patient requires the fifth dose to ensure that the correct amount of vaccines is delivered. For assistance, call 905-688-8248 ext. 7590.

Due to cold chain requirements, do not send vaccine with patient.

Resources

More information

Call 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7590 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) for more information.