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. Cat scratches, for
example, even from a kitten can carry "cat scratch disease," a
bacterial infection. Other animals can transmit rabies and
tetanus. Bites that break the skin are even more likely to
become infected. For superficial bites from a familiar household
pet who is immunized and in good health: For deeper bites or
puncture wounds from any animal, or for any bite from a strange
animal: Call your doctor or other health care provider for any
flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, headache, malaise, decreased
appetite, or swollen glands following an animal bite. Rabies is
a viral infection of certain warm-blooded animals and is caused
by a virus in the Rhabdoviridae family. It attacks the nervous
system and, once symptoms develop, it is 100 percent fatal in
animals, if left untreated.