Awareness is the Key to Prevent Rabies and Stay Safe

Not only are we easing out of the dog days of summer, but we are also just around the peak time of year for rabies. On average August sees the most animal rabies cases in Florida. With World Rabies Awareness Day on September 28, now is also a good time to review the basics.

So far in 2026, five animals have tested positive for rabies in Marion County. That is the typical number of cases for a full year in Marion County. Animals that have tested positive in Marion County include raccoons, bats, cats, a coyote, and a fox. Skunks, otters, and bobcats can also carry the virus. In fact, any mammal can carry and transmit rabies.

Rabies is a Deadly Disease
The rabies virus is deadly, with nearly 100% fatal illness in humans and other mammals. But human rabies deaths are exceedingly rare in the U.S., typically resulting in fewer than 10 fatalities per year, with an average of one to two deaths annually. This is due to widespread rabies immunization programs and highly effective post-exposure treatments.

The main wildlife sources of rabies in Florida are raccoons and bats. In the U.S., contact with infected bats is the leading cause of human rabies death, accounting for about 70% of cases.

Outside cats are by far the most common domestic animal found to have rabies in Florida, largely because they are often not kept up to date on rabies vaccinations. Pet dogs, cats, and ferrets are required by law to be vaccinated against rabies in Florida.

Prevention Goes a Long Way to Avoid Rabies
Here are some prevention tips:
• 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 call Marion County Animal Services at 352-671-8727.
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• Have your veterinarian vaccinate pets and at-risk livestock. Make sure you follow your veterinarian’s instructions for revaccination.

Be Alert to Spot Signs of Rabies
Animals with rabies may show strange behavior. They can be aggressive, attacking for no apparent reason, or act very tame (especially wild animals). They may not be able to eat, drink or swallow. They may drool because they are unable to swallow their saliva. They may stagger or become paralyzed.
Eventually they will die.

When an animal is sick with rabies, the virus is shed in the saliva and can be passed to another animal or a person, usually through a bite.

Transmission may also occur if the saliva enters open wounds, the mouth, nose, or eyes of another animal or person.

Act Quickly if Exposed to Rabies
If you believe you may have been exposed to rabies, contact your health care provider and DOH-Marion at 352-629-0137 right away, or go to the nearest emergency room. There is effective treatment that can prevent infections in people if administered quickly.

If an animal bites, immediately scrub the wound with lots of soap and running water for 5 to 10 minutes. Try to get a complete description of the animal and determine where it is so that it can be contained by animal control for quarantine or rabies testing. The animal will either be quarantined for 10 days (if it is a dog, cat, or ferret) or be tested for rabies. If the animal is dead, be careful not to damage the head, and avoid further contact.

If your animal is attacked by a wild, stray, or unvaccinated animal, do not examine your pet for injuries without wearing gloves. Wash your pet with soap and water to remove saliva from the attacking animal. Do not let your animal come into contact with other animals or people until the situation can be handled by animal control or county health department staff.

By staying alert and taking precautions, Marion County residents can avoid adding rabies exposure to the summer heat. Find out more at floridahealth.gov/
rabies.

Florida Health
For more information, visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies