Rabies Surveillance

Rabies virus is 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.

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County investigates more than 1,000 animal bite incidents involving possible human exposure to rabies each year.

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.