The Florida Department of Health in Lake County has issued a rabies alert for the Pine Lakes area in response to a kitten that tested positive for rabies Thursday.

Residents and visitors in Lake County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population, and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated. The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in Lake County. Alerts are designed to increase awareness to the public. This alert should not give a false sense of security to areas that have not been named as under this alert.

This rabies alert is for 60 days. The center of the rabies alert is in the Pine Lakes area and includes the following area boundaries in Lake County:

  • North boundary — St. Johns River
  • South boundary — Royal Trails Road
  • East boundary — St. Johns River
  • West boundary — Royal Trails Road

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 and all wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes. Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm blooded animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure, will protect an exposed person from the disease.

The following advice is issued:

  • All pets should have current rabies immunizations.
  • Secure outside garbage in covered containers to avoid attracting wild animals.
  • Do not leave pet food outside. This also attracts other animals.
  • Avoid contact with all wildlife, especially feral cats, raccoons, bats and foxes.
  • If bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water, seek medical attention, and promptly report the incident to Lake County Animal Services.
  • Rabies is preventable when treatment is provided in a timely manner.
  • For general questions pertaining to animals, contact Lake County Animal Control at (352) 343-9688.

For more information on rabies, go to the Department of Heallth website at or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.