Rabies is a deadly viral disease

that can be prevented

but not cured. The virus

attacks the brain of warm-blooded

animals, including people.

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what you

should know

about rabies

For more information call:

Division of Disease Control and Health Protection,Bureau of Epidemiology

(850) 245-4401

www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/rabies/index.html

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nIf you kill the animal, be careful not to damage thehead, and avoid further contact with the animal evenwhen it is dead.

What do I do to protect myself, my familyand my pets from rabies?nHave your veterinarian vaccinate all of your dogs, cats,ferrets and horses against rabies, and make sure youfollow your veterinarian’s instructions for revaccination.

nAvoid contact with wild or stray animals.

nNever feed wild or stray animals—avoid attractingthem with outdoor food sources (like uncovered trash).Feed your pets indoors.

nDo not allow your pets to run free. Follow leash lawsby keeping pets and livestock secured on your property.

nSupport animal control in your community.

nIf your animal is attacked by a wild, stray orunvaccinated animal, DO NOT examine your pet forinjuries without wearing gloves. Wash your pet withsoap and water to remove saliva from the attackinganimal. Do not let your animal come into contact withother animals or people until the situation can be dealtwith by animal control or county health departmentstaff.

How is rabies spread?When an animal is sick with rabies, the virus is shed inthe saliva and can be passed to another animal or aperson, usually through a bite. Transmission may alsooccur if this saliva or the animal’s nervous tissue entersopen wounds, the mouth, nose or eyes of anotheranimal or person.

What do rabid animals look like?Animals with rabies may show strange behavior—theycan be aggressive, attacking for no apparent reason, oract very tame (especially wild animals). They may notbe able to eat, drink or swallow. They may droolbecause they have difficulty swallowing. They maystagger or become paralyzed. Rabies will kill mostanimals.

Which animals have been reported withrabies in Florida?Raccoons have been reported most frequently followedby bats and foxes. Since the 1980s, rabid cats werereported more frequently than rabid dogs. Rabidbobcats, skunks, otters, horses, cattle and ferrets havealso been reported.

What do I do if an animal bites me? Immediately scrub the wound with lots of soap andrunning water for five to ten minutes.

nTry to get a complete description of the animal anddetermine where it is so that it can be picked up byanimal control staff for quarantine or rabies testing.

nGo to your family doctor or the nearest emergencyroom.

nCall your county health department or animal controlagency with the animal’s description and location. Theanimal will either be quarantined for ten days (if it is adog, cat or ferret) or be tested for rabies.

protect yourpets, yourself,& your family

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