HomeMy WebLinkAboutacd-rabies-and-animal-bites-fact-sheet-2019-2025-adaAnimal Bites and Rabies in Alameda
County, 2019—2023
Rabies is a neurological disease caused by the rabies virus. The virus causes Acute Viral
Encephalomyelitis and is always fatal to humans unless post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is given
before symptom onset. Humans can acquire rabies when exposed to the saliva of a rabid animal
through a bite, scratch, or contact with mucous membranes. In the United States, more than 90% of
animal rabies cases occur in wildlife.
Reporting animal bites is mandatory in Alameda County. Bites from both wild and domestic animals
potentially expose a resident to the virus that causes rabies. By reporting these bites, Alameda County
Public Health Department (ACPHD) can determine the risk of rabies exposure, recommend PEP, and
coordinate animal testing with county animal and vector control.
Background
Data Summary
From 2019—2023, 660 animal
bites were reported to ACPHD.
Most bites were from cats and
dogs. Only bats tested positive for
rabies (6.3%, Table 1).
The number of bites by year
decreased from 2019—2022, and
increased in 2023 (Figure 1).
Rabies has been found in all parts
of Alameda County (Figure 2).
Figure 1. Number of Reported Animal Bites by Year
Provider Recommendations
Promptly report animal bites to ACPHD
Encourage the bite victim to contact Vector Control and their local animal services to coordinate
isolation or rabies testing of the biting animal if the animal is available
When determining whether to administer PEP, providers should consider the following:
Type of animal
Availability of animal for testing or isolation
Provoked vs unprovoked bite
Wound care provided to bite
Call ACPHD if consultation is needed regarding PEP
If recommended, PEP should start as soon as possible after exposure
ACPHD does not offer vaccines, refer to ED if necessary 1
Figure 2. Animals Tested for Rabies in Alameda County, 2019-2023
For questions or additional information, contact:
Alameda County Public Health Department
Acute Communicable Diseases Section
1100 San Leandro Blvd, San Leandro, CA 94577
Phone: 510-267-3250
https://health.alamedacountyca.gov/pr
ogram/acute-communicable-diseases/
Last updated April 8th 2026
Table 1. Animal Bites and Rabies Testing, by Animal, Alameda County 2019-2023
Animal Number of bites reported Number Tested**Positive for Rabies
Bat 12 287 18 (6.3%)
Cat 203 165 0 (0%)
Dog 410 104 0 (0%)
Coyote 1 1 0 (0%)
Fox 1 10 0 (0%)
Opossum 4 25 0 (0%)
Raccoon 8 29 0 (0%)
Skunk 4 96 0 (0%)
Squirrel 5 9 0 (0%)
Other*12 0 --
*Other includes: Rat (2), monkey (2), llama (1), snake (1), and unknown (6)
**More animals may be tested than bites reported due to uncertainty of exposure, pet
exposure, or surveillance testing
2