09/02/2026
Wildlife and Rabies Awareness
The best way to protect yourself, your family, and your pets from rabies is to leave wildlife alone. Never approach, feed, or touch wild animals—especially those that appear sick, injured, unusually friendly, or are active during times they normally wouldn't be.
Rabies is a serious disease that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms begin. In the United States, rabies is most commonly found in wildlife such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.
✅ Keep your distance from wildlife.
✅ Keep pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
✅ Contact animal control if you find an injured, sick, or dead animal.
✅ Supervise pets outdoors and keep them away from wild animals.
If you are bitten or scratched by a wild animal or an unfamiliar pet:
• Wash the wound immediately with soap and water for 15 minutes.
• Seek medical care right away.
• Contact your local health department for guidance.
Animal Bite Reporting Requirements:
According to Indiana law (410 IAC 1-2.5-80), every case of a human being bitten by a domestic or wild mammal must be reported to the local health department within 24 hours.
To report an animal bite (dog, cat, or ferret):
Call the Floyd County Health Department at (812) 948-4726 Ext. 2, Option 1
Or complete a Floyd County Animal Bite/Scratch Report Form and submit it by:
Fax: (812) 948-2208
Email: [email protected]
After-Hours Exposure Notice
If you are bitten by a wild animal or may have come into contact with a bat, and the animal is available for testing, immediately contact:
• New Albany Floyd County Animal Control: (812) 948-5355
• New Albany Police Dispatch: (812) 948-5300
If the animal cannot be safely captured or is unavailable for testing, rabies post-exposure treatment may be necessary. Contact an emergency medical facility immediately.
Rabies is preventable when treated promptly. When it comes to wildlife, remember: Look, Don't Touch
