Bay County Rabies Alert

Panama City, FL— 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 confirmed case of rabies in a fox killed in the Richard Bayou area off Highway 2297 in unincorporated Bay County on March 15, 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, especially bats, 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:

• Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property, so they do not come in contact with wild or stray animals. 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 open garbage cans or litter. 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.
• 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.
• Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
• 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.

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