Florida Department of Health Reminds Residents to Avoid Rabies Exposure, Provides Best Practices 

prompt and effective treatment is available to protect individuals from rabies

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA—While no recent rabies cases have been confirmed, the Florida Department of  Health in Brevard County (DOH-Brevard) closely monitors potential cases of rabies among wild animals in our area and wants to ensure that all residents and visitors are aware of this critical issue. 

Both people and domestic animals should avoid contact with wild animals, such as raccoons,  bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes, as these animals are known to carry a higher risk of rabies exposure.

If exposure does occur, prompt and effective treatment is available to protect individuals from rabies.

The Florida Department of  Health in Brevard County strongly encourages parents and guardians to educate their children, particularly teens and preteens who may spend time outdoors without direct adult supervision, about these risks and to instill habits that prioritize safety against rabies exposure. 

Your awareness and proactive measures can significantly contribute to keeping our community safe. 

Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure: 

■ Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.

■ Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and secure livestock on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance immediately and contact Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control at 321-633-2024.

■ Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other food sources. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention and report the injury to DOH-Brevard by calling 321-634-6337 option 3. 

■ Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.  

■ Call your local animal control agency to remove stray animals from your neighborhood.  Contact Brevard County Sherriff’s Office Animal Control at 321-633-2024. • Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other areas where they might contact people and pets. 

For more information on rabies, please visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Brevard at 321-634-6337 option 3 or Brevard County Animal Services at 321-633-2024.

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