Animal bites to humans are reportable by Florida law. The Orange County Health Department Environmental Health and Epidemiology programs receive reports of animal bites from Orange County Animals Services, physicians, and the public.
The Epidemiology Program provides rabies vaccinations to persons reporting a bite or other exposure, such as a scratch or contact with saliva in open wounds or mucous membranes, from an animal at risk for rabies. Animals at risk for carrying rabies include raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, stray cats and dogs, ferrets, and other animals.
Persons reporting bites or other exposures to animals at risk for rabies should call our office of Epidemiology at (407) 858-1420. The Epidemiology Program is responsible for coordinating treatment for animal bite victims through the health department, hospital, or private providers. The Epidemiology clinic is located at 6101 Lake Ellenor Drive, Orlando, Florida, 32809.
Rabies is a deadly infection caused by a virus which infects the brain. The rabies virus is most commonly transmitted through the bite and saliva of an infected animal. Prompt treatment with rabies vaccinations will prevent the development of rabies infection in humans.
Rabies is preventable through avoiding direct contact with unfamiliar animals, keeping pets up to date on rabies vaccinations, and reporting stray animals to animal service agencies.
Persons who are bitten or scratched by animals or exposed to the saliva of animals through open wounds or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth) should seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to Orange County Animal Services and Orange County Health Department.
To report an animal bite, call 407-858-1420 or fax the information to 407-858-5517
Please direct your questions to:
Debbie Andrews, Rabies Program, 407-858-1400 Ext. 1130
Other contacts:
Orange County Animal Services – 407-836-3111
Orange County Health Department Environmental Health – 407-521-2630
Orange County Health Department 