07/01/2026
⚠️ 𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧 - 𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹𝘀.
The Florida Department of Health in Hernando County (DOH-Hernando) is issuing a rabies alert in Hernando County in response to a confirmed case of rabies in a cat in the Dade City area off Westwood Drive in Hernando County on June 29, 2026. DOH-Hernando is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area. All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population.
People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals (e.g., raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, coyotes), which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment. If you are exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect you from the risk of rabies.
This rabies alert is for 60 days and includes the following boundaries in Hernando County:
• Northern boundary: Coral Rock Drive
• Southern boundary: Old Trilby Road
• Eastern boundary: Lower Lake Road/ McKinney Sink Road
• Western boundary: Nature Coast Boulevard/ Highway 75
Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:
• 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 contact Hernando County Animal Services at 352-796-5062.
• 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. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH-Hernando by calling 352-540-6812.
• 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 domesticated stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Hernando County Sheriff's Office Animal Services at 352-796-5062. Please be advised this does not include wildlife or community cat populations.
• 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.
For more information on rabies, please visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Hernando at 352-540-6812.
