Florida Department of Health Issues Rabies Alert In Hernando County

HERNANDO COUNTY, Florida — The Florida Department of Health in Hernando County (DOH-Hernando) has issued a rabies alert for parts of the county following a confirmed case of rabies in a raccoon.

The raccoon was killed on June 9, 2025, in the Spring Lake Highway/Neff Lake area off Frog Lane. DOH-Hernando is actively monitoring rabies activity in the local wild animal population and is warning residents and visitors that the virus is currently circulating among wildlife in the area.

The 60-day alert covers the following boundaries in Hernando County:

• Northern boundary: Kenova St.
• Southern boundary: Hayman Road
• Eastern boundary: Spring Lake Highway
• Western boundary: Cobb Road

Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Wild animals such as raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes pose the highest risk of exposure to humans and pets.

Health officials are urging residents to take the following precautions:

• Vaccinate all pets and livestock according to your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
• Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash at all times. Secure livestock on your property.
• Avoid all contact with wild or stray animals. Do not feed, handle, or attempt to approach them.
• Secure trash cans and remove outdoor pet food to avoid attracting wildlife.
• If a wild or domestic animal bites or scratches you or your pet, seek immediate medical or veterinary attention. Report the incident to DOH-Hernando at 352-540-6812.
• Never attempt to adopt or keep wild animals as pets. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator instead.
• Call Hernando County Animal Services at 352-796-5062 to report stray animals in your neighborhood.
• Prevent bats and other wildlife from entering homes, attics, or other occupied spaces.

For more information on rabies prevention and the current alert, visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Hernando at 352-540-6812.