How should the animal causing the bite be handled?

It is important to establish whether the biting animal is healthy or diseased, bearing in mind that a rabid animal excretes the virus in its saliva not just throughout the illness but also several days before the appearance of the first signs. An unknown animal, which has disappeared, must be considered as rabid and full course of PEP must be given. Cats and dogs, which can be identified, must be kept under observation. The risk of rabies can be considered as slight if the animal shows no sign of disease after 5 days, and non?existent if the animal is still healthy on the 10th day (The European Standards recommend an observation period of 15 days).

All wild animals, and those domestic animals suspected of having rabies must be put down and the rabies diagnosis must be carried out in the laboratory.

If it is proven that the animal is not rabid, only then the anti?rabies treatment may be halted.