Animal bites with minor injuries should be referred to which agency?

• A. Animal Services
• B. Emergency Medical Services
• C. Police Department
• D. Public Health

Answer: (A)

When a bite occurs, the appropriate starting point is the agency that handles animal control and welfare. Animal Services investigates animal bite incidents, coordinates with owners, and determines whether the animal should be quarantined or observed for rabies, based on vaccination status and risk. This ensures proper containment of the animal and public health safety, even if the injuries are minor and medical care for the victim is handled separately.

Emergency Medical Services focuses on providing medical care, not on handling animals or bite investigations. The Police Department may respond if the animal is dangerous or if there are criminal aspects to the incident, but the routine referral for a bite incident is to Animal Services. Public Health gets involved for disease surveillance and rabies concerns, but the initial referral and coordination typically come through Animal Services, which then coordinates with Public Health if needed.

So, referring the case to Animal Services is the most appropriate first step for minor animal bites.