Florida Dept. of Health Issues Rabies Alert Issued For Levy County

CHIEFLAND, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Levy County (DOH-Levy) has declared a 60-day rabies alert for a defined area of Levy County following confirmation of rabies in a fox that was killed on the south side of Chiefland off SW 3rd Street on Saturday, April 11, 2026, Levy County posted on its Facebook page.

DOH-Levy officials said they are actively monitoring rabies activity among wild animals in the area and are urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant, WCJB reports.

“Rabies is currently present in the wild animal population,” the department warned in a statement released Thursday.

Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease that can be transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Health officials stress that people and domestic animals should avoid all physical contact with wild mammals, including raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes, which pose the highest risk of exposure and often require post-exposure treatment if contact occurs.

Rabies Alert Zone Boundaries

• Northern boundary: State Road 27 and Young Boulevard
• Southern boundary: NW 5th Avenue and NW 86th Street
• Eastern boundary: NW 11th Avenue and NW 110th Street
• Western boundary: NW 60th Avenue and NW 14th Street

Precautions to Prevent Rabies Exposure

• Vaccinate all pets and livestock according to your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
• Keep pets on a leash and under direct supervision; secure livestock on your property. If a wild animal bites or attacks your pet or livestock, contact a veterinarian immediately and notify Levy County Animal Services at 352-486-5138 or DOH-Levy at 352-486-5300.
• Never approach, feed, or handle wild or stray animals. Secure garbage cans and remove outdoor pet food that could attract wildlife.
• If you are bitten or scratched by any animal, seek medical attention right away and report the incident to DOH-Levy at 352-486-5300.
• Do not adopt wild animals or bring them indoors; contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator instead.
• Call local animal control or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) North Central Region at 386-758-0525 to remove stray animals from neighborhoods.
• Seal homes, schools, and other buildings to prevent bats and other wildlife from entering living spaces.

Rabies post-exposure treatment, when administered promptly after a potential exposure, is highly effective at preventing the disease.

For more information on rabies symptoms, prevention, and treatment, visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Levy directly at 352-486-5300.

This rabies alert will remain in effect for 60 days and may be extended if additional cases are confirmed. Residents in the affected area are encouraged to stay informed and report any unusual wildlife behavior to authorities.