<p>Descriptive analysis of the study population.</p>

The largest age group among all patients was 31–40 years, comprising 19.8% of cases. Dogs were responsible for 76.2% of exposures and cats for 20.8%. Northern provinces such as North Khorasan (773 per 100,000) and Golestan (767 per 100,000) recorded the highest incidence.

Wound irrigation was documented in 94.3% of patients, and 96.4% received the first vaccine dose within 48 hours. Overall, 68.1% received three vaccine doses and 24.2% four doses. Rabies immunoglobulin was administered to 95.6% of Category III exposures, though inappropriate use was also observed in Category I (6.1%) and II (4.7%).

Deviations from vaccine regimens and misclassification of exposure categories were identified, and among bat-related exposures only 36.8% were classified as Category III, with 38.7% receiving immunoglobulin.</p> <p>Conclusions/Significance</p><p>Among registry-recorded animal bite attendees, rapid initiation of PEP and frequent appropriate use of rabies immunoglobulin in severe exposures were documented. However, gaps in documentation, vaccine dosing accuracy, and exposure classification indicate areas for improvement.

These findings reflect patterns within the national bite registry and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive evaluation of all surveillance system attributes. Strengthening provider training, reinforcing protocol adherence, and improving data quality within the registry could support national rabies control efforts and inform broader prevention strategies aligned with global elimination goals.</p></div>