TAVARES, Florida — The Florida Department of Health in Lake County (DOH-Lake) is issuing a rabies alert in Lake County in response to a confirmed case of rabies in a cat that was captured in the Tavares area off 722 Wood Ave. in Lake County on April 22, 2026.
DOH-Lake 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.
Rabies Alert Boundaries
This rabies alert is for 60 days and includes the following boundaries in Lake County:
- Northern boundary: El Red Drive
- Southern boundary: Lake Dora Drive (By Wooton Park)
- Eastern boundary: Griffin Oaks Way
- Western boundary: Lake Shore Blvd.
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 Animal Control at 352-343-2101.
- 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-Lake by calling 352-707-6104.
- 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. Contact Animal Control at 352-343-2101.
- 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.
Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic
The Lake County Animal Shelter, located at 12280 County Road 448, Tavares, FL 32778, will host a free rabies vaccination clinic for City of Tavares residents on the following days:
- Friday, April 24, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon
- Monday, April 27, 2026, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Free rabies vaccines will be available for household pets owned by Tavares residents. Proof of residency is required. For more information on this event, please call 352-343-9688.
For more information on rabies, please visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Lake at 352-707-6104.
