Duval County, Fla.— Florida Department of Health in Duval County (DOH-Duval) is issuing a rabies alert for the Westside area of Duval County. The alert is in effect through August 1, 2024. 

The rabies alert area is bordered on the north by HWY 134, on the south by Sandler Road, on the east by the Old Middleburg Road S, and west by HWY 23/First Coast Expressway.

The alert follows the discovery of a rabid cat in the Westside area of Duval County. As a precaution, pet owners should always maintain control of their pets and be certain that each has received current rabies immunization shots from a licensed veterinarian.

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 Duval County:

• Northern boundary: HWY 134
• Southern boundary: Sandler Road
• Eastern boundary: Old Middleburg Road S
• Western boundary: HWY 23/First Coast Expressway

See map below.

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 Animal Care and Protective Services at (904) 630-CITY (2489).
• 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-Duval by calling (904) 253-1280.
• 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 Animal Care and Protective Services at (904) 630-CITY (2489).
• 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-Duval at (904) 253-1280.

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 X at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, visit FloridaHealth.gov.