Rabies Prevention

What is Rabies? 

Rabies is a viral disease that is incurable and deadly.  Rabies can be prevented by taking precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your pets. Animals can be vaccinated and people who have been bitten can receive vaccines to fight the disease.

What can you do?

• Vaccinate your pets.

• Maintain control of your pets to reduce their exposure to wildlife.

• Spay or neuter pets to decrease the number of stray animals.

• Avoid interacting with wild animals, such as feral cats, raccoons, or bats.

• Report any stray or ill animals to Highlands County Animal Control at (863) 499-2600.

• If you are bitten by an animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, and see your doctor or go to the emergency room.

• Physician's and doctor's offices are required to report all animal bites to Highlands County Animal Control at (863) 499-2600.