Rabies Information

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease that affects mammals, including humans. It is a preventable viral disease, but is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, with a nearly 100% mortality rate.

Rabies is transmitted through infected saliva and is most commonly spread through bites or scratches.
Transmission can also occur if saliva or nervous tissue from an infected animal enters open wounds or comes into contact with the mouth, nose, or eyes.

Rabies in Florida

Florida Department of Health is the primary agency responsible for rabies prevention, control, and quarantine procedures in Florida.

In Florida, there are many mammals that are Rabies carriers. The most common wildlife carriers of rabies in Florida are:

These infected animals can expose people, pets, livestock, and other wildlife to rabies, typically through bites.

Domestic Animals and Rabies

• Outdoor cats are the most common domestic animals found with rabies in Florida, largely due to lapses in vaccination.
• In Florida, dogs, cats, and ferrets are legally required to be vaccinated against rabies.
• If a domestic animal is exposed to a rabid animal, the virus can be transmitted to humans.
• The Florida Department of Health does not require dog scratches to be quarantined.
• The Florida Department of Health will determine if specimen is required for Rabies testing

For additional rabies information, visit:
https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/disease/rabies/

Where to Report an Animal Bite

Orange County, Florida

• If you believe you have been exposed to rabies, contact your healthcare provider immediately and report the incident.
• To report an animal bite or scratch in Orange County, call 311.
• The call center will dispatch an Animal Services Officer to investigate the complaint.

What is Quarantine?

Quarantine is a period during which an animal is placed under observation to monitor for signs of illness.

Quarantine Timeframes

• Domestic animal to human exposure:
  • 10-day observation period
• Wildlife exposure to a domestic animal that is current on rabies vaccination:
  • 45-day quarantine
  • Immediate rabies booster required
• Wildlife exposure to a domestic animal that is NOT current on rabies vaccination:
  • 180-day quarantine
  • Immediate rabies booster required

If a quarantined animal becomes ill, aggressive, goes missing, or dies, contact Animal Services immediately.

Where Can Animals Be Quarantined?

Depending on the severity of the exposure, quarantine may occur at:

• The owner’s home
• A veterinary clinic or boarding facility
• Animal Services

Requirements During Home or Facility Quarantine

• The animal must remain indoors.
• The animal must be kept away from new people and animals.
• The animal must be supervised at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I walk my animal on a leash during quarantine?
  Yes.
• Can I take my animal to the veterinarian during quarantine?
  Yes.
• Can my animal receive a rabies vaccine during quarantine if it bit a human?
  No. Vaccination must wait until the quarantine period is completed.

Rabies Prevention

Protect your family and pets by following these important prevention measures:

If Your Animal Is Attacked:

• Do not touch your pet without wearing gloves.
• Wash your pet thoroughly with soap and water to remove any saliva from the attacking animal.
• Contact Animal Services or your veterinarian immediately for further guidance.

Contact Information

Florida Department of Health
Phone: 407-858-1400
Ask to speak with the Epidemiology Department