Contact:
Helen Medlin, BSN, RN
Helen.Medlin@flhealth.gov
321-454-7101

Viera, Fla. —  The Florida Department of Health in Brevard County (DOH-Brevard) is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area. This is in response to a confirmed case of rabies in a racoon that was captured in the Melbourne area on Hield Road off Minton Road in Brevard County on April 16, 2024. All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies may be currently present in the wild animal population.

People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals (e.g., raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, coyotes), which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment. If you are exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect you from the risk of rabies.

This rabies alert is for 60 days and includes the following boundaries in Brevard County:

• Northern boundary: Norfolk Parkway
• Eastern boundary: Minton Road
• Southern boundary: Emerson Drive
• Western boundary: Glencove Ave NW

Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:

• Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on yourproperty. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Brevard County Sherriff’s Office (BCSO) Animal Services at 321-633-2024.
  
• Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other sources of food. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH-Brevard by calling 321-634-6337 option 3.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
• Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Brevard County Sherriff’s Office (BCSO) Animal Services at 321-633-2024.
• Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
• Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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