(A) The state’s Departments of Agriculture and Health and Welfare, and District Health Departments, and the United States Department of Agriculture have important roles to play in the prevention, control, and treatment of rabies in the state. The following protocol represents a consensus of agreement by these agencies on appropriate control of rabies within the state.
(B) Rabies is a rare disease in humans. Only a handful of cases are reported each year in the United States. Over two-thirds of all human cases that have occurred have been associated with bats. Frequently these cases occurred in young children or infants who could not report a contact or bite. In this state, the only species known to be a reservoir for rabies is bats. Some information from Montana suggests that rabies may be prevalent in skunk populations near the border of our two states; although no trapping in this state has been done to verify this. Rodents are not a reservoir for rabies in this state and little to no risk exists of contracting rabies from a rodent bite.
(C) All situations involving rabies and animal bites are unique. No protocol can address every situation that may occur. The intent of this protocol is to provide a structure for decision making based on the latest scientific evidence and recommendations from national organizations. Questions regarding rabies or this protocol may be directed to the state’s Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Industries, at (208) 332-8540 or the state’s Department of Health and Welfare, Epidemiology Services Program, at (208) 334-5939.
(Ord. passed 12-10-2001)