SAINT CLOUD, Florida — The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County has issued a 60-day public alert in St. Cloud following confirmation of rabies in a cat that was euthanized on January 10, 2026, near Carolina Avenue.
The Health Department is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area bordered by the area depicted on the map.
Health officials urge residents and visitors to avoid contact with wild animals such as raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes, which pose a higher risk of transmitting rabies. Rabies is a deadly viral disease, but prompt treatment after exposure can prevent infection.
If you are exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect you from the risk of rabies.
Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:
- Ensure pets and livestock are vaccinated against rabies according to your veterinarian’s schedule.
- Keep pets leashed and under direct supervision, and secure livestock on your property.
- Avoid handling or feeding wild or stray animals, and do not attract them with outdoor pet food or open garbage cans.
- If a wild or domestic animal bites or scratches you, seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to contact Health Department by calling 407-742-8606.
- Do not adopt wild animals; contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator instead.
- Report stray animals to Osceola Animal Services at 407-742-8000.
- Prevent wildlife, especially bats, from entering homes, schools, or other occupied spaces.