DOH-Palm Beach Reminds Residents to Avoid Contact with Wild and Stray Animals
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Public Information Office
CHD50ContactUs@FLhealth.gov
561-671-4013
Palm Beach, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County (DOH-Palm
Beach) urges residents to avoid contact with wild and stray animals to prevent rabies exposure.
Remember these tips to protect yourself, family members, and pets:
- 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 Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control at 561-
233-1200. - 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-Palm Beach by calling 561-671-4013. - 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 Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control at 561-233-1200. - 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-Palm Beach at 561-671-4013.
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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.
Follow us on X at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, visit FloridaHealth.gov.