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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 Surveillancies

Florida Department of Health in Gadsden County

The Rabies Surveillance program works closely with the Epidemiology Department and the Gadsden County Animal Control office to prevent the spread of rabies in the domestic pet population and in humans. 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 present in the wild animal population, especially in:

  • Raccoons
  • Foxes
  • Skunks
  • Bats
  • Bobcats

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.

Anyone who has been bitten by an animal should immediately seek medical attention. Physicians are required to report all animal bite cases to the local health department.

If you have any questions, please call our office at 850-875-7200.

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