The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County (DOH-St. Lucie) is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area. All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies may be currently present in the wild animal population.

Additionally, DOH-St. Lucie is responding to a bat-related incident at TouchStar Cinemas in Sabal Palm Plaza at 2538 US-1, Fort Pierce, Florida. If you recently visited this location, especially if you came in contact with a bat while present in this establishment, contact DOH-St. Lucie. Receiving appropriate treatment quickly will protect you from the risk of rabies.

Contact Information: DOH-St. Lucie
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: 772 –462–3883
Weekends or after hours: 772–462–3800.

People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals, especially bats, which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment.

Take the following precautions for you and your pets:

• Keep your pets under direct supervision and on a leash so they do not come in contact with wild or stray animals. If an animal bites your pet, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact City of Fort Pierce Animal Control Division.
  
  
• Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with open garbage cans or litter.
  
  
• Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact City of Fort Pierce Animal Control Division at 772-467-3720, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. To request an animal control officer before or after.
  
  
• Immunize your pets based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
  
  
• Prevent 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.