ORMOND BEACH, Florida – The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County (DOH-Volusia) has issued a 60-day rabies alert following the confirmation of a rabies case in an unvaccinated cat captured on February 26 near the intersection of Collins Street and Hand Avenue in Ormond Beach. Health officials are now monitoring the presence of rabies among wild animals in the area and urging residents and visitors to exercise caution.
DOH-Volusia emphasized that rabies is actively circulating within the county’s wild animal population. “People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals such as raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes,” the department stated, noting that these animals pose a higher risk of transmitting rabies to humans, potentially requiring post-exposure treatment. The department stressed that prompt medical treatment following exposure can prevent the onset of rabies, a deadly viral disease.
The rabies alert applies to a specific area of Volusia County bounded by South Center St./South Orchard St. to the east, State Road 40/West Granada Blvd. to the north, Golf Ave./Calle Grande St. to the south, and Clyde Morris Blvd. to the west—all within Ormond Beach.
To minimize the risk of rabies exposure, DOH-Volusia recommends several precautions. Pet and livestock owners should ensure their animals are vaccinated according to a veterinarian’s schedule and keep pets leashed and under direct supervision. Livestock should remain secured on property. If a pet or livestock is bitten, owners should seek immediate veterinary care and report the incident to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office at 386-248-1777.
Residents are also advised to avoid all contact with wild or stray animals, refraining from feeding or handling them. Open garbage cans and outdoor pet food should be secured to avoid attracting wildlife. Anyone bitten or scratched by an animal—wild or domestic—should seek medical attention immediately and report the injury to DOH-Volusia at 386-274-0634.
The department further cautioned against adopting wild animals or bringing them into homes, urging individuals to contact licensed wildlife rehabilitators instead. Stray animals in neighborhoods should be reported to Volusia County Animal Services at 386-248-1790 or via email at [email protected].
Additional preventive measures include keeping wildlife, particularly bats, out of living spaces such as homes and schools where they could encounter people or pets.
For more information about rabies and how to protect yourself and your animals, visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Volusia at 386-274-0634. Health officials say staying vigilant and following these guidelines will help ensure the safety of the community during this alert period.
