Animal Diseases
How to Report an Animal Disease
Veterinarians and others who need to report a suspected public health emergency should contact the Public Health division immediately at 925-313-6740; or after hours, call the sheriff's dispatch at 925-646-2441 and ask for the Health Officer On Call.
Veterinarians and others may also fax us Confidential Morbidity Report for Animal Patients. Fax reports to 925-313-6465.
Non-urgent calls about public health or communicable disease issues may be made to 925-313-6740.
What Must be Reported
Veterinarians are required to report six animal diseases to Contra Costa Public Health:
- Anthrax
- Brucellosis (except Brucella canis)
- Plague
- Rabies
- Tularemia
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers
Additionally, veterinarians are encouraged to contact Contra Costa Public Health about outbreaks or unusual occurrences of animal disease.
Why Report
The health of animals—pets, farm animals, and wildlife—is linked to the health of humans who share their environment. A small number of the communicable diseases that animals can be infected with are transmissible (under certain circumstances) to people. Contra Costa Public Health monitors the occurrence of several animal diseases with significant human health implications.
We rely on veterinarians and the public to notify us when they encounter certain diseases or conditions in animals. Reporting this information helps Contra Costa Public Health protect the public from illness.
Who Must Report
The state of California requires veterinarians to report certain diseases and conditions the local health department.
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