DOH-Seminole Issues Rabies Advisory

Sanford, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) is issuing a rabies alert for neighborhoods in the Sanford area. The alert is in response to a bat which tested positive for rabies in that area. Residents and visitors in the area bordered to the north by East 8th Street, on the east by Brisson Avenue, on the south by East Airport Boulevard and on the west by South French Avenue should avoid contact with bat and wildlife. If you, a family member, or someone you know thinks that they were in contact with a bat, call Seminole County Animal Services at 407-665-5201 or the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County at 407-665-3243.

Residents and visitors in Seminole County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population, and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated. Alerts are designed to increase awareness to the public. Please be aware that rabies activities can also occur outside the alert area. This rabies alert is in effect for 60 days.

An animal with rabies could infect other wild animals or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies. Contact with feral cats, stray dogs, and all wildlife particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes should be avoided.

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.

Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:

• Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommendations.
• 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 Seminole County Animal Services at 407-665-5201.
• 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-Seminole by calling 407-665-3243.
• 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 Seminole County Animal Services 407- 665-5201.
• 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.

For more information on rabies, please visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Seminole at 407-665-3243.

About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Follow us on X at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, visit FloridaHealth.gov.