The Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (WADDL) is now offering rabies diagnostic testing using both molecular (PCR) and direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) testing methods. Rabies is a fatal viral disease that infects the central nervous system in both people and animals. Exposure to the rabies virus is commonly through bites from an infected animal. In the United States, rabies is mostly found in wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. In Washington, bats are the only known reservoir of the rabies virus which has been found in almost every Washington county.
WADDL is collaborating with the Washington State Department of Health for human exposure rabies diagnostic testing using the gold standard, DFA testing method. If human exposure is suspected contact your health care provider and local health department to determine the potential for rabies exposure, and if the animal should be tested for rabies. WADDL also offers both DFA and PCR testing for non-human exposure submissions. For additional information concerning rabies testing at WADDL please visit WADDL’s Rabies Webpage.