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California State law requires that all animal bites are reported to health care personnel or public animal shelters. Animal bites and scratches, even when they are minor, can become infected and spread bacteria to other parts of the body. Whether the bite is from a family pet or an animal in the wild, scratches and bites can carry disease. Bites that break the skin are even more likely to become infected.
Certain animals can also transmit rabies and tetanus to other animals and humans. Contact a physician or health care provider should you have any questions or concerns about an animal bite.
These general guidelines will help you stay safe around animals and reduce the risk of animal bites: