The purpose of this program is to prevent the spread of rabies in the domestic pet population and to humans. Our office works closely with the county Animal Services office. Pet owners are required to have their pets vaccinated for rabies.

Our office investigates all reported suspect animal bites and scratches and the animal is placed under quarantine for observation for 10 days following the exposure. The animal is observed at the end of the quarantine period to be sure that it is healthy.

Although rabies in the pet population is not frequent, the disease is fatal and is on a somewhat alarming increase in the wild animal population, especially in raccoons, foxes, skunks, bats and bobcats.  Anyone who has been bitten by an animal should immediately seek medical attention. If you have a pet that has been attacked by one of the above animals, you should immediately report it to the local health department and have the animal examined by a veterinarian.

Physicians are required to report all animal bite cases to the local health department.

If you have any questions in regards to Rabies Surveillance, feel free to call Yvonne Rodriguez at 407.521.2630 between the office hours of  8:00am to 5:00pm.