Tallahassee, Fla.—The Florida Department of Health in Leon County (DOH-Leon) is issuing a rabies alert in Leon County in response to a confirmed case of rabies in a raccoon that was captured in the Settlers area off Mission Road in Leon County on July 17, 2025. DOH-Leon 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 boundaries in Leon County:

• Northern boundary: Fred George Road
• Southern boundary: West Tharpe St
• Eastern boundary: Mission Road
• Western boundary: Capital Circle NW

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 Leon County Animal Control at 850-606-5400 or Tallahassee Animal Services at 850-891-2950.
• 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-Leon by calling 850-895-8360.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
• Call your local Animal Control Agency to respond to aggressive wildlife or other animal-related issues at 850-606-5400, or Tallahassee Animal Services at 850-891-2950.
• 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-Leon at 850-895-8360.

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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.

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