Facts about Wildlife Diseases: Rabies

Release Date: 7/13/2026

DOI: 10.32473/EDIS-UW282-2015

Natural Resources

Abstract

The purpose of this document is to be an overview of rabies, including how it is spread, the symptoms, and what you should do if you suspect a rabies exposure. This document is intended for a general audience.

About this Publication

This document is WEC239 (orginally titled Protecting your Family and Pets from Rabies), one of a series on Wildlife Diseases: Risks to People and Animals from the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date August 2007. Revised May 2015 and May 2026. Visit the Ask IFAS website at https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/ for the currently supported version of this publication.

How to Cite

Wisely, S. M., & Ober, H. K. (2015). Facts about Wildlife Diseases: Rabies. EDIS, 2015(5), 6. https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-uw282-2015

Authors

Samantha Wisely

Contact

Specialist

University of Florida

director, Cervidae Health Research Initiative (CHeRI) and professor, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, research affiliate, UF Emerging Pathogens Institute

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Holly Ober

former professor of wildlife ecology and wildlife Extension specialist, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, UF/IFAS North Florida Research & Education Center

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