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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Rabies Surveillance Program

Epidemiology

Rabies what you need to know

Rabies text in green with some different healthy and prevention icons

The Rabies Surveillance Program investigates animal bites to humans to help stop the spread of rabies in the community.

Epidemiology staff work closely with county and municipal animal control officers to investigate animal bite cases and submit necessary specimens to the state laboratory for testing. 

Need to report an animal bite? Complete an animal bite report form and fax it to our office at 239-332-9553.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease. It typically spreads to humans through bites or scratches from mammals that break the skin.

It is also possible, but quite rare, that people may get rabies if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound.

The most common wild animals with rabies are raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, and coyotes. Domestic mammals can also get rabies. Cats, cattle, and dogs are the most frequently reported rabid domestic animals in the United States.

For more information, visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies.