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ANIMAL DANGERS
The Environmental Health Division often gets questions about animal pests and diseases spread by them. The Washington State Department of Health and the U.S. Centers of Disease Control (CDC) are good sources of information about these diseases.
West Nile Virus
West Nile virus has been found in animals in western Washington. Clallam County Environmental Health participates in the Washington Department of Health΄s testing program to monitor the spread of the virus. Please read our West Nile page for more information.
Rabies
Rabies is a life threatening viral infection which can spread by contact with the saliva and urine of infected animals. While all mammals can potentially be infected with the rabies virus, only bats are a significant carrier of this infection in Washington State. Rabies is extremely rare in domestic dogs and cats in Washington State.
If someone has been exposed to a bat or bitten by an animal that may be rabid, please read our rabies page and contact the Environmental Health Division at (360) 417-2258 to begin the testing process.
Additional rabies information:
Rabies Fact Sheet Dept. of Health
Bats and Rabies Fact Sheet Seattle & King County Public Health
Rabies Home Page Centers for Disease Control
Information for doctors and veterinarians:
Rabies Prevention in Washington State: A Guide for Practitioners Dept. of Health & Northwest Center for Public Health Practice
Rodents
 Rats and mice can be dangerous to public health. They can spread disease and damage property.
The Washington State Department of Health's Zoonotic Disease Program has prepared informative brochures with advice on controlling rodents and protecting health and property. These brochures are available via the following links:
RATS Let's Get Rid of Them focuses on rats, with tips for controlling all rodents
Rodent Control: Taking Steps to Prevent Hantavirus focuses on deer mice, with general rodent tips
Information about Hantavirus:
Hantavirus Fact Sheet Dept. of Health
All About Hantavirus Centers for Disease Control
Hantavirus Fact Sheet Seattle & King County Public Health
Other Animal Diseases
Please visit the following links for information about other diseases spread by animals.
Zoonotic Disease Program Dept. of Health
Foot & Mouth Disease Dept. of Health
Ticks & Tick-Borne Diseases in Washington Dept. of Health
Lyme Disease Centers for Disease Control
Contact Environmental Health with questions or comments about the information on this page.
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