CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Clay County is warning residents and visitors about a confirmed rabies case in the area.
DOH-Clay issued a 60-day rabies alert after a raccoon infected with rabies was killed Sept. 29, 2026, in Orange Park area off Kingsley Road in Clay County.
Map of area affected by Rabies Alert in Clay County. (Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)
The alert covers the following boundaries in Clay County:
Northern boundary: Kingsley Ave. N
Southeast boundary: Doctors Lake Dr.
Western boundary: Foxwood Rd. S
What residents need to know
Health officials say all residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population in the area. People and domestic animals should avoid physical contact with wild animals, including raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes.
“If you are exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect you from the risk of rabies,” according to DOH-Clay.
How to protect yourself, your pets
Health officials are urging the public to take the following precautions:
Immunize pets and livestock based on a veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
Keep pets on a leash and under direct supervision. Keep livestock secured on your property.
Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans or other food sources.
Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator instead.
Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools and other areas where they might come in contact with people or pets.
If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance immediately and contact the Town of Orange Park Animal Control at 904-269-6342, option 3.
If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention and report the injury to DOH-Clay by calling 904-529-2924.
For more information on rabies, visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Clay at 904-529-2924.
Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.