Media Release | February 5, 2026
Florida Department of Health | Pasco
Pasco, Fla.—The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) is issuing a
rabies alert in Pasco County in response to a confirmed case of rabies in a raccoon that was
killed in the Zephyrhills area off Alston Ave in Pasco County on January 30, 2026. DOH-Pasco
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 Pasco County:
- Northern boundary: South Ave
- Southern boundary: Tucker Road
- Eastern boundary: Zephyrhills Airport
- Western boundary: Gall Blvd
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 Pasco County Animal Services at 813-929-1212. - 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-Pasco by calling 352-521-1450, Option 4. - 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 Pasco County Animal Services at 813-929-1212. - 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-Pasco at
352-521-1450.
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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.
Follow us on X at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida
Department of Health, visit FloridaHealth.gov
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