Bay County, Fla.—The Florida Department of Health in Bay County (DOH-Bay) is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area. This is in response to a single confirmed case of rabies in a skunk that was captured in the Magnolia Hills area off Alva Thomas Road in Bay County on March 11, 2024. All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies may be 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. 

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 Bay County Animal Control at 850-767-3333 or if in Lynn Haven, the Lynn Haven Police Department at 850-265-4111.

• 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-Bay by calling 850-872-4455.

• 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 Bay County Animal Control at 850-767-3333 or if in Lynn Haven, the Lynn Haven Police Department at 850-265-4111.

• 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-Bay at 850-872-4455.

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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.