Animal Bite or Scratch

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR AN ANIMAL BITE OR SCRATCH

1. Secure the animal, noting its identity.
2. If the wound is severe, visit your Urgent Care or Emergency Room for treatment.
3. If the wound is minor, thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes.
4. Bandage the wound.
5. Notify your supervisor of the bite/scratch and begin required follow-up steps.

REQUIRED FOLLOW-UP STEPS

1. Fill out the First Report Form.
2. Fill out an Employee Work Injury and Illness Report  Read the section titled “How do I Report a Worker’s Compensation Claim?” and follow the instructions.
3. Contact Occupational Medicine (608-265-5610) to discuss any follow-up care that may be needed (example: tetanus boosters needed).
4. Supervisors must complete the Supervisor Incident Analysis and Prevention Report and email the form with the completed Employee’s Work Injury and Illness Report to their Human Resources Representative within one work day (8 business hours) of learning of an employee’s work-related injury or illness.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For non-human primate exposure: Follow the steps for reporting exposures in your facility.
• For cat, dog, or ferret exposures: Cat, dog or ferret bites require additional reporting to the local Public Health Department. Notify the RARC veterinarian for the animal facility of any cat, dog, or ferret bite or scratch.