Marion County, Fla.—The Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion) is issuing a rabies alert in Marion County in response to two confirmed cases of rabies in raccoons that were captured in the Rainbow Lakes Estates and southwest Ocala areas in Marion County on April 26, 2024. DOH-Marion is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area. All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population.

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.

This rabies alert is for 60 days and includes the following sets of boundaries in Marion County:

First location:

• Northern boundary: Southwest 52nd Street
• Southern boundary: Southwest 80th Street
• Eastern boundary: Southwest 80th Avenue
• Western boundary: Southwest 110th Avenue

Second location:

• Northern boundary: Southwest Pine Bluffs Boulevard
• Southern boundary: Southwest Tiger Lake Boulevard/Southwest 59th Lane
• Eastern boundary: Southwest Bluegill Road
• Western boundary: Southwest Persimmon Lane

Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:

• 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. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Marion County Animal Services at 352-671-8727.
• 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-Marion by calling 352-629-0137.
• 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 Marion County Animal Services at 352-671-8727.
• 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-Marion at 352-629-0137.

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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit FloridaHealth.gov.