Rabies virus is very deadly, with nearly 100% fatal illness in humans and other mammals.
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 and bats. Infected raccoons and bats can expose people, pets, livestock, and other wildlife to rabies, typically through bites.
Outside cats 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 an Animal Bite
Call DOH-Manatee at 941-748-0747, option 4 for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is rabies?
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can be prevented but not cured. Any mammal can get rabies. The most common wild animals that can get rabies are raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, and coyotes. Domestic mammals, such as unvaccinated cats and dogs, can also get rabies.
How do you get rabies?
When an animal is sick with rabies, the virus is shed in the saliva and can be passed to another animal or a person, usually through a bite.
Transmission may also occur if this saliva or the animal’s nervous tissue enters open wounds, the mouth, nose, or eyes of another animal or person, but this is rare.
What should I do if I am bitten by an animal?
- Immediately scrub the wound with lots of soap and running water for five to ten minutes.
- Try to get a complete description of the animal and determine where it is so that it can be contained by animal control for quarantine or rabies testing.
- Go to your health care provider or the nearest emergency room.
- Call DOH-Manatee (941-748-0747) with the description and location of the animal. The animal will either be quarantined for ten 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.
How is rabies treated?
Rabies cannot be treated, but it can be prevented. You can receive treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after being bitten that will prevent you from getting rabies. Rabies PEP is a series of immunizations that stimulate your body to produce antibodies against the virus. It must be given before symptoms begin in order to be effective.