Large Rodents: Animal IS Available for Testing

Animals include muskrat-sized or larger, such as muskrat, beaver or woodchuck (groundhog).

Return to Rabies prevention flowchart introduction

Have the animal euthanized and submit the head for rabies testing as soon as possible.

Post-exposure prophylaxis can usually be safely delayed for a reasonable period of time* until test results are known, unless animal was exhibiting signs suggestive of rabies at the time of the exposure.

There is no observation period for this group of animals.
They should be tested regardless of age or whether they are wild or kept as pets.

*The question of how long prophylaxis can be delayed is a judgment call. There is no unequivocally "safe" period to wait. In general, if the animal showed no clinical signs of rabies, and the bite was provoked and did not involve wounds to the head/neck, and if the wound was washed promptly and thoroughly with soap and water, it is probably reasonable to delay prophylaxis for up to 48-72 hours while awaiting test results. Consult state health officials for recommendations on specific scenarios.

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Animals include muskrat-sized or larger, such as muskrat, beaver or woodchuck (groundhog).

Have the animal euthanized and submit the head for rabies testing as soon as possible.

There is no observation period for this group of animals. They should be tested regardless of age or whether they are wild or kept as pets.

There is no observation period for this group of animals.
They should be tested regardless of age or whether they are wild or kept as pets.