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Veterinary Providers in Whitman County

Whitman County Public Health

  • Promotes health at the community level
  • Prevents disease through population-level interventions
  • Focuses on getting health information to a population
  • Addresses social drivers of health

Veterinarians in Whitman County

  • Promotes health at the animal and population level
  • Prevents disease in animals through preventive care
  • Focuses on getting health information to pet owners
  • Diagnoses and treats illnesses and injuries in animals

Whitman County is Stronger Together

  • Improve quality of life for people and animals
  • Improve life expectancy for both humans and pets
  • Reduce healthcare costs through prevention and treatment

Disease Prevention Program Contact

You can reach our Disease Prevention team at DiseasePrevention@whitmancounty.gov or securely via fax at 509.397.6239.

For time-sensitive matters, during our normal business hours, you can reach us at 509.332.6752.

Rabies Guidance

Rabies Response Guide for Veterinary Offices

Protocol for Potential Rabies Exposure from Bats

Bat encounters carry a significant rabies risk to humans and pets. Take any known or suspected contact seriously; bat bites can go unnoticed and leave little evidence of a wound.

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Protocol for Potential Rabies Exposures in Dogs & Cats

When a Dog/Cat Bites or Scratches a Person:

  • Animal does NOT exhibit signs of rabies - Instruct the owner to confine it securely (preventing escape and additional bites or scratches) for ten days from the date of the incident.
  • Animal remains healthy throughout the ten days - It is likely that the animal does not have rabies; however, if the animal is unvaccinated or not up to date on vaccinations, administer a rabies vaccination.
  • Animal exhibits signs of rabies, dies or requires humane euthanasia - Contact WCPH to discuss rabies testing.

When a Dog/Cat is Exposed to a Rabid Animal:

  • Refer to the steps outlined in the previous section.
  • Contact WCPH for guidance on observation and confinement recommendations. The length of the confinement period typically ranges from 45 to 120 days (4 months), based on the exposed animal's vaccination.

Additional Resources

WCPH

Animal Exposure Form

Download Form
WADDL

Rabies Submission Form

Download Form
WCPH

Protocol for Potential Rabies Exposure Poster

Download Poster

Brucellosis Guidance

Brucellosis is an infection caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. Animals that most commonly get brucellosis include cats, dogs, sheep, cattle, goats, pigs, bison, elk, caribou, moose, and wild hogs, among others.

Brucellosis is transmitted from animals to people by direct contact with infected blood, placentas, fetuses, or uterine secretions, or through the consumption of infected meat and raw milk and milk products. Risk of exposure is greatest for veterinarians during high-risk activities:

  • Handling aborting animals or during birth
  • Specimen draws during clinical examination
  • Surgical procedures
  • Disinfection and cleaning of contaminated environments
  • Vaccination of livestock
Learn More on the CDC Website

Resources

CDC

Reference Guide: Exposures, Testing & Prevention

Download Guide

Risk Strat for Human Exposure

Download PDF
WCPH

B. canis Letter Template

Download Template

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Guidance

Animal health professionals who work with or around birds should take special care to avoid spreading avian influenza. Here are some suggestions for veterinarians:

  • Educate your clients about on the risks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Washington.
  • If you handle sick birds, wear protective clothing such as disposable gloves, a mask, coveralls, and boots.
  • Isolate any ill birds and contact WSDA if you suspect avian influenza.

If you visit anyplace that has poultry, be sure to follow strict biosecurity measures entering and leaving. Also:

  • Limit and record your movements and the movement of vehicles onto farms.
  • If you visit a farm and suspect birds there are infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza, stay on the farm and contact WSDA immediately.
  • Wash and disinfect items going on and off farms, such as footwear, vehicles and equipment.
Learn More on the WSDA Website View More Resources from WSDA

Additional Resources

WSDA

HPAI In Cats Flyer

Download Flyer
USDA

Avian Influenza Fact Sheet

Download Fact Sheet
WSDA

Protecting Backyard Flocks Sign

Download PDF

Additional Resources

One Health

One Health is a collaborative effort of multiple disciplines working locally, nationally and globally to improve the health of our ecosystem, including humans, animals, plants, and our environment.

Visit doh.wa.gov Visit avma.org

Zoonotic Disease Rules and Guidelines

Veterinarians are required to follow certain rules and regulations regarding prevention and reporting of disease. The Washington State DOH provides information about these rules on their website.

Visit doh.wa.gov

Disease Reporting

Veterinarians report certain diseases in animals to the Washington State Department of Agriculture as per Chapter 16-70 WAC. The Washington State Department of Agriculture notifies Washington State Department of Health of reports of animal disease with potential public health significance as per WAC 246-101-805.

WSDA

Reportable Diseases

Visit the WSDA Website
WSDA

Submit a Reportable Disease

Make a Report