Veterinary Public Health, Los Angeles County
About Veterinary Public Health
The Veterinary Public Health program (VPH) works to prevent and control diseases that spread between animals and people in Los Angeles County, using a One Health approach. We serve all of Los Angeles County except the cities of Long Beach, Vernon, and Pasadena.
Our work includes:
- Animal bite reporting and rabies control
- Animal disease surveillance and outbreak investigations
- Public outreach and education
Report to Veterinary Public Health
Animal bites, rabies-related incidents, and animal diseases in Los Angeles County are legally reportable to Veterinary Public Health.
How to report →Questions? Call 213-288-7060 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm) or email vet@ph.lacounty.gov.
Animal Health Topics & Resources
Rabies
2026 is a record-breaking year for rabid bats in Los Angeles County, surpassing the record set in 2025. 2026 also marks the first rabid raccoon detections in LA County since 1973, with 2 rabid raccoons detected in Westlake Village.
- Found a bat? Read this first (PDF) | En español
- For veterinarians: Rabies Quarantine and Vaccine Booster Guidance (PDF)
- Second rabid raccoon detected in LA County (press release, October 23, 2026)
- First rabid raccoon in LA County since 1973 (press release, October 2026)
New World Screwworm
USDA confirmed multiple cases of New World screwworm in the United States beginning in June 2026. These are the first U.S. detections associated with the current outbreak that has been moving north through Central America and Mexico. Screwworm is not currently present in Los Angeles County.
The situation is evolving rapidly. For the latest U.S. case information, see USDA:
Protect your pets from screwworm →
H5 Bird Flu in Los Angeles County
Cases of H5 bird flu continue to be identified in Los Angeles County. Since the beginning of 2024, H5 bird flu has been confirmed in wild birds and domestic cats in LA County. The risk to the general public’s health from this H5N1 virus is still low.
- Guidance for Veterinary Practices with Suspect Cases of H5 Bird Flu in Pets (PDF)
- Guidance for Animal Control, Shelter and Veterinary Facilities Handling Birds that may be Infected with H5 Bird Flu (PDF)
Low Cost Pet Resources in Los Angeles County
Listings of low cost pet resources including: vaccines, spay and neuter, flea and tick medicine, microchips, vet exams, dental care, pet food, and supplies.
Also available in: Español • Հայերեն • 简体中文 • 繁體中文 • فارسی • 한국어 • 日本語 • Русский • Tagalog • Tiếng Việt
Low cost pet resources guide (PDF) →
Staying Safe Around Animals
Resources for families, students, and educators to stay safe and healthy around animals — from pets to wildlife.
Learn about bite prevention, disaster readiness, pet vaccines, parasites, and more →
Pet Importation
When bringing rescued or imported pets into Los Angeles County, it is possible to unintentionally bring in disease as well. Whether you are traveling with a pet, or are an animal rescue group importing pets in response to natural disaster and international events, there are important steps you can take to ensure that pets are healthy for travel and importation.
Learn about importing pets and preventing disease →More topics & resources
- Reportable Animal Diseases & Conditions Full directory of reportable and notifiable animal diseases in LA County.
- Animals & Disasters Prepare your pets and livestock for earthquakes, wildfires, and other emergencies.
- Keeping Pets Safe in the Heat Recognize heat stress in pets and protect them during LA’s hottest months.
- Educational Brochures Free printable handouts on bite prevention, pet health, rabies, disasters, and more.
Animal Health Alerts For veterinary health providers
Quick links
For veterinarians
Alerts, reporting, and manuals for veterinary practices and shelters.
For health care providers
Rabies exposure resources for physicians.
Pet travel & importation
Bringing pets into or out of LA County.