Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the nervous systems of mammals – including dogs, cats, wildlife, and people – and once symptoms appear it is always fatal. The good news? Rabies is preventable through timely vaccination and responsible pet care.
Most recently, in January 2026, the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County issued a 60-day rabies alert after confirming rabies in a cat euthanized in the St. Cloud area near Carolina Avenue. Public health officials are monitoring rabies among wild animals in the region and are urging residents and visitors to be aware that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population.
This recent alert highlights how rabies remains a risk in Florida – especially in areas where wildlife like raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes are common. Vaccination isn’t just a legal requirement in Florida – it’s a crucial step in protecting your pet, your family, and your community.
What Is Rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of mammals, including dogs, cats, wildlife, and humans. Once symptoms appear, rabies is considered almost always fatal, which is why prevention through vaccination is so critical.
The virus is most commonly transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, as rabies is spread through saliva. After exposure, the virus travels through the nerves toward the brain. This process can take weeks to months, depending on factors such as the location of the bite and the amount of virus introduced.
Animals infected with rabies may show a range of symptoms, including:
- Behavioral changes (aggression, fearfulness, or confusion)
- Excessive drooling or difficulty swallowing
- Staggering or paralysis
- Seizures
Because early symptoms can be subtle or resemble other illnesses, rabies often goes unnoticed until the disease has progressed. At that stage, there is no effective treatment.
Rabies is not just a concern for pets; it is a serious public health issue. Vaccinating dogs and cats creates a protective barrier between wildlife rabies cases and people, reducing the risk of exposure throughout the community.
How Rabies Spreads
Rabies is spread through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly through a bite. The virus enters the body through broken skin or mucous membranes and then travels through the nervous system toward the brain.
The most common ways rabies is transmitted include:
- Bites from infected animals
- Scratches that break the skin and are contaminated with saliva
- Saliva entering open wounds, the mouth, nose, or eyes
Rabies is not spread through the air, nor can it be transmitted by casual contact such as petting an animal or sharing food or water.
Common Rabies Carriers in Florida
In Florida, rabies is most often found in wild animals, which serve as natural reservoirs for the virus. The species most commonly associated with rabies include:
- Raccoons
- Bats
- Skunks
- Foxes
Because these animals are active throughout the state – including in urban and suburban areas – pets may be exposed during routine outdoor activities.
Why the Rabies Vaccine Is So Important
The rabies vaccine is one of the most important—and effective—vaccines your dog or cat will ever receive. Because rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, vaccination is the only reliable protection for pets and the people who care for them.
Rabies Is Preventable but Not Treatable
Unlike many other diseases, there is no cure for rabies once clinical signs develop. Vaccination prevents the virus from taking hold in the body, stopping the disease before it can cause irreversible damage.
Rabies Vaccination Is Required by Florida Law
In Florida, rabies vaccination is legally required for dogs and cats. These laws exist to protect public health and reduce the risk of rabies transmission statewide.
If an unvaccinated pet is exposed to a potentially rabid animal, the outcome can be severe – often involving strict quarantine or euthanasia, regardless of whether the pet appears healthy. Vaccinated pets are far better protected and face fewer restrictions after an exposure.
Rabies Vaccines Are Safe and Effective
Modern rabies vaccines have an excellent safety record and provide long-lasting protection when given according to veterinary guidelines. Serious side effects are rare, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.
Our veterinarians will recommend a rabies vaccination schedule based on your pet’s age, health, and lifestyle to ensure they stay protected.
Protect Your Pet and Community
Keeping your dog or cat up to date on their rabies vaccine is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your pet’s health, comply with Florida law, and safeguard your family and community.
If your pet is due for a rabies vaccine, you’re welcoming a new pet into your home, or you have questions about rabies prevention, our team is here to help.
