CONTACT US
Environmental Health Services
Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
3160 Center Street NE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 503-588-5346
Fax: 503-566-2986
Marion County Environmental Health investigates reported animal bites within Marion County. Our main concern is the risk of rabies. Rabies is a virus that affects the brain and nervous system. In Oregon, bats are the main carriers of rabies. All mammals can get rabies, but most cases involve bats.
What Counts as a Rabies Exposure?
Rabies does not pass through intact skin or clothing. You are only exposed if:
- An animal bite breaks the skin
- Saliva touches broken skin
- Saliva touches the eyes, nose, or mouth
Petting a dog does not cause exposure. Picking up a bat does not cause exposure unless there is skin contact with saliva. If there was no exposure, there is no rabies risk.
When a Dog, Cat, or Ferret Bites a Person
State rules require confinement for ten (10) days after a bite. Confinement allows officials to observe the animal for signs of rabies.
If the animal has a current rabies vaccination:
- The owner may release the animal after 10 days
- The animal must remain healthy during that period
If the animal does not have a valid rabies vaccination:
- The animal must stay in confinement
- A Registered Environmental Health Specialist or Licensed Veterinarian must approve release
What Confinement Means
Confinement requires strict limits to prevent contact.
During confinement:
- The animal must stay indoors
- Dogs may go outside only on a leash
- Only one person should handle the animal daily
- The animal may not contact other people or animals
If the animal becomes sick or shows unusual behavior, report it immediately. Call Marion County Environmental Health at 503-588-5346.
Severe Dog Bites
Dogs that cause severe bites may require confinement at Marion County Dog Services. For questions about Marion County Dog Control Rules (Chapter 6.05), call Marion County Dog Services at 503-588-5233.
Wild Animal Bites
Follow-up for rabies is only possible if the wild animal is captured and tested. Testing requires the animal to be euthanized and examined in a laboratory.
If a wild animal bites you:
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water
- Seek medical care if needed
Animals That Rarely Carry Rabies
Many mammals can carry rabies. However, some species rarely carry rabies in real-world conditions.
These include:
- Rabbits and hares
- Small rodents such as mice, rats, squirrels, gerbils, and hamsters
- Deer and elk
Unless the bite was clearly unprovoked, rabies follow-up is usually not required for these animals.
If you have questions about an animal bite or possible rabies exposure, contact Environmental Health for guidance.
Animal Bite Reporting Forms
English
Spanish
Marion County Dog Services
Bats and Rabies (CDC)
Rabies Information (CDC)
Rabies Information (OHA)
Email Privacy: While we are happy to answer general questions via email, we suggest you do not transmit personal or health related information in your message. We cannot meet any expectation you might have of confidentiality when you communicate with us over the Internet. If you have a specific personal or health-related issue, please call the appropriate county government office instead.
Email address: health@co.marion.or.us
To report a public health emergency, or make an urgent report of communicable disease, call (503) 588-5621 at anytime.
