If a family pet bobcat without vaccines bites a child, what is the recommended action?

• A. Euthanize and submit head
• B. Contact animal control and observe
• C. Administer antibiotics and monitor
• D. Quarantine for 10 days and release

Answer: (A)

Rabies risk from a bite by an unvaccinated wild feline is the driving concern. To protect the child and others, you need a definitive way to determine the animal’s rabies status. The most reliable method is to test brain tissue for rabies, which requires euthanizing the animal and submitting the head to a diagnostic laboratory. This allows a definitive result that guides subsequent public health actions.

Relying on observation or treating with antibiotics doesn’t address the risk of rabies, and a 10‑day quarantine with release isn’t appropriate for a wild animal with unknown vaccination status. If the test is negative, the bite wound is managed clinically; if positive, urgent public health steps are taken. Euthanize and submit head is the prudent, definitive action in this scenario.