Targeted Animal Bites and Rabies Risk Training for Law Enforcement Professionals *

BACKGROUND:  Rabies is a fatal neurologic viral disease that is spread through saliva and brain material. Although there is no cure for rabies after signs appear, post-exposure prophylaxis can be given to prevent the disease. Law enforcement, including police officers and animal control officers, are often the first responders in situations involving cats and dogs or wildlife, typically skunks and bats. In 2014, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) began a pilot series of presentations tailored to law enforcement focusing on rabies awareness and managing wildlife and animal bite situations. Data collected from questionnaires were analyzed to characterize law enforcement professionals’ attitudes and general knowledge about rabies.

METHODS:  A rabies training presentation was developed for law enforcement that included basic rabies risk information, case scenarios, and animal specimen submission information. Attendees were asked to complete a qualitative pre/post-questionnaire about their rabies knowledge, time working in law enforcement, past occupational animal encounters, and rabies awareness.

RESULTS:  In 2014, five trainings were held in Minnesota, and a total of 63 people attended. Of the 63 attendees, 57 (90%) worked in law enforcement (47 police officers, five animal control officers, and five community service officers); 37 of the 57 (65%) had worked in law enforcement for 10 or more years. Other attendees included four local public health professionals, one firefighter, and one emergency medical responder. All of the law enforcement attendees indicated that they had responded to animal attacks to citizens, sick/injured wildlife, or pet encounters with wildlife in the past; only 30 officers (53%) indicated that they had received training on handling animal bites and 20 (35%) had received rabies training. The average score on the rabies pre-training assessment was 70% (range, 10–100%). Seventy-seven percent of respondents correctly identified the best way to properly kill an animal for rabies testing, and 74% correctly identified that an intact whole brain is needed for rabies testing. After the presentation, 82% of officers (47/57) indicated that they felt comfortable or very comfortable handling animal bite situations. The trainings were well received, with 56/57 (98%) of law enforcement attendees rating the training as “good” or “excellent.”

CONCLUSIONS:  The role of law enforcement as a public health partner in responding to potential rabies situations is important and unique. Training for this group should include information on rabies risk, how to properly kill and submit an animal for rabies testing, and general guidance for handling animal bites.