April 28, 2026. Reno/Sparks, Nev. – Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) has launched a new, streamlined online reporting system for animal bites, making it easier for residents, healthcare providers, and veterinarians to report incidents quickly and help prevent the spread of rabies in Washoe County.

The reporting system is now available through NNPH’s website and is part of an enhanced Rabies Exposure Surveillance System designed to improve response times, strengthen coordination between agencies, and protect public health.

The new electronic reporting form allows people to report an animal bite or any other potential exposure to a rabid animal amongst humans. Persons can report being exposed to domestic pets (dog, cat, ferret) or high-risk vectors (bat, raccoon, fox, skunk, coyote, bobcat, badger, or weasel).

“Timely reporting of animal bites is critical to preventing rabies and ensuring people receive appropriate care,” said Dr. Nancy Diao, Division Director for NNPH’s Population Health Division. “In the effort of data modernization, adding this new online reporting system helps us respond faster and work more closely with our partners to keep our community safe.”

Rabies is a rare but serious disease that is considered fatal if not treated promptly. Quick reporting of incidents, such as animal bites, allows public health officials to:

• Assess potential rabies exposure
• Review follow-up care, including preventive treatment if needed
• Ensure animals involved are properly evaluated
• Protect both residents and domestic animals from further risk

The updated system enhances the timeliness and consistency of public health decision-making by aligning data across informatics platforms. These standardized, co-designed program metrics produce independent trend monitoring over time to evaluate operational effectiveness and community health outcomes.

The solution was a collaboration between NNPH and Washoe County Regional Animal Services (WCRAS), and it offers easy online reporting, quicker action, clear guidance for all users, and improved coordination between public health and animal services.

In addition, NNPH and WCRAS have improved how rabies vaccination certificates are collected and routed, helping ensure animals’ vaccination records are readily available when needed.

How to report an animal bite

Residents and providers can access the reporting form and learn more by visiting NNPH’s Rabies Exposure Surveillance webpage.

Anyone who is bitten or otherwise exposed to the fluids of a rabies-susceptible animal should:

• Wash the wound immediately with soap and water
• Seek medical care
• Report the incident as soon as possible using the new online form, disclosing as much information as possible for adequate public health follow up

For more information on NNPH, visit www.NNPH.org. For more information on WCRAS, visit www.WashoeCounty.gov/animal.

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Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making District Board of Health. NNPH consists of four public-facing divisions: Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Population Health. More info can be found here.