Rabies virus is very deadly, with nearly 100% fatal illness in humans and other mammals. Rabies is most commonly spread through bites and scratches from an infected animal. It is rare, but people can also get rabies if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound.
The virus is present in some wildlife in Florida and can spread to unvaccinated pets, which then pose a high risk to the pet owner and their family. The main wildlife sources of rabies in Florida are raccoons, bats, and foxes. Pets and farm animals, like horses and cattle, can also get rabies.
Cats, especially those that spend time outdoors, are by far the most common domestic animal found to have rabies in Florida largely because they are often not kept up-to-date on rabies vaccinations. Dogs, cats, and ferrets are required by law to be vaccinated against rabies in Florida.
Report a Possible Rabies Exposure
Call Animal Control at 772-226-3485, or if you are in the City of Vero Beach, call 772-978-4600.
How we help
The Rabies Prevention and Surveillance Program helps stop the spread of rabies in the community by investigating animal bites to humans. Environmental Health Staff work closely with county and city animal control officers to investigate animal bites and submit necessary specimens to the state laboratory for testing.
If you have been bitten or think you have been exposed:
- Immediately scrub the wound with lots of soap and running water for five to ten minutes.
- Go to your healthcare provider or the nearest emergency room.
- Call Animal Control with the description and location of the animal. The animal may either need to be observed for 10 days ( if it is a dog, cat, or ferret) or be tested for rabies.
- If the animal is deceased, be careful not to damage the head, and avoid further contact.
Contact DOH-Indian River for more information.