DOH-St. Lucie Issues Rabies Advisory

Published on April 30, 2025

The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County (DOH-St. Lucie) is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area. This is in response to a single confirmed case of rabies in a raccoon that was killed in Port St. Lucie off S.E. Merion Court in St. Lucie County on April 27, 2025. 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. 

Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:

• Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
• Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Port St. Lucie Animal Control at 772-871-5042. 
• 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-St. Lucie by calling 772-462-3883.
• 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 Port St. Lucie Animal Control at 772-871-5042. 
• 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.

For more information on rabies, please visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-St. Lucie at 772-462-3883.