Zoonotic Diseases

Animal Bites

The Highland County Health Department Environmental Health Division is responsible for rabies control by investigating biting incidents involving warm blooded animals in Highland County. This is accomplished through coordination between local health practitioners, veterinarians, and surrounding health departments. If you have been recently bitten by an animal, be sure that the health department has been notified of the incident so that an investigation can be done.

Despite what many people think, the health department will not confiscate any animals involved in an investigation. Instead, animals are placed in quarantine for 10 days. This means that animals must be kept contained (in house, on leash, or in kennel) and not permitted to run free. The animal in question is inspected by a HCHD employee at the beginning and end of the quarantine period. If the animal is still healthy at the end of the 10 days, and is current on the necessary vaccinations, the owner may release the animal, and rabies is not considered a concern.

To view or download a copy of the Animal Bite Report form: Click here

Ticks Mosquitoes and Other Vectors

The Ohio Department of Health’s Zoonotic Disease program monitors, intervenes, and provides information on diseases transmitted by animals (including insects) to people. The program’s webpage includes helpful information and updates on Tickborne illnesses including Lyme disease, mosquito borne illnesses, animal bites and rabies in the state of Ohio.

To go to the Ohio Department of Health’s Zoonotic Disease Program’s webpage: Click here