The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County (DOH-Volusia) has issued a rabies alert after a cat recently tested positive for the disease.

According to DOH-Volusia, the alert is in response to a confirmed case of rabies in an unvaccinated cat that was captured in Ormond Beach, near the intersection of Collins Street and Hand Avenue, on Wednesday, February 26.

Local health officials are monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area, and all residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population.

This rabies alert will remain in effect for 60 days and includes the following boundaries in Volusia County:

  • Northern boundary: West Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.  
  • Southern boundary: Golf Avenue/Calle Grande Street in Ormond Beach.
  • Eastern boundary: South Center Street/South Orchard Street in Ormond Beach.
  • Western boundary: Clyde Morris Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to humans and warm-blooded animals. An animal with rabies could infect other animals that have not received a rabies vaccination. Rabies is always a danger in wild animal populations, and domestic animals are at risk if they are not vaccinated.

The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. To protect an exposed person from the disease, appropriate treatment should be started soon after exposure.

If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention and report the injury to DOH-Volusia by calling 386-274-0634.

In the event that your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek immediate veterinary assistance for the animal, seek veterinary assistance immediately or contact the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office at 386-248-1777.

Residents and visitors in Volusia County are advised to take the following precautions to prevent exposure to rabies:

  • 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.
  • Avoid all 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.
  • Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
  • Never handle unfamiliar animals (wild or domestic), even if they appear friendly.
  • Contact your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood.
  • Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas where they might encounter people and pets.

For more information, visit the Florida Department of Health’s Rabies webpage, or call DOH-Volusia at 386-274-0634.