The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County has issued a rabies alert in Osceola County in response to a confirmed case of rabies in a cat captured in the Mill Creek Woods area off Orchid Lane in Osceola County on July 8, 2024.
DOH-Osceola is monitoring rabies in wild animals in the area. All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population.
People and pets should always avoid physical contact with wild animals (eg, raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, coyotes), which carry an increased risk of human exposure and need for post-exposure rabies treatment. If you have been exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate post-exposure treatment will protect you from the risk of rabies.
This rabies alert is for 60 days and includes the following boundaries in Osceola County:
- • North boundary: 522 E. Osceola Parkway
- • Southern border: US Highway 192 – Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
- • Eastern border: Florida’s Turnpike
- • Western boundary: S. John Young Parkway
Take the following precautions to avoid exposure to rabies:
- • Vaccinate your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
- • Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep pets safe on your property. If your pet or animal has been bitten by an animal, seek immediate veterinary care for the animal and contact Osceola Animal Services at 407-742-8000.
- • Avoid contact with wild or wild animals. Do not touch, feed, or accidentally lure them with outdoor pet food, open trash cans, or other food sources. If you are bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH-Osceola by calling 407-343-2155.
- • Never adopt stray 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 Osceola Animal Services at 407-742-8000.
- • Prevent wildlife, including batfrom entering the dwelling or occupied
