12/14/2025
📢 Community Wildlife & Public Health Alert — Please Read
We want to alert everyone in our community that the risk of rabies is still real — and seen locally. According to recent reports in Alachua and Marion county of local wildlife and a stray cat testing positive within the last few months.
Because rabies is nearly always fatal to all mammals (even us!) once symptoms begin, we all must take precautions — for ourselves, our pets, and the wild animals in our community.
✅ What you can do to stay safe
Keep your pets (cats, dogs, ferrets, etc.) up to date on rabies vaccinations — this remains the most effective protection.
Avoid ALL contact with wild or stray animals. Do not feed, handle, or attempt to rescue them yourself.
Do not leave pet food or garbage exposed outdoors, as this can attract wildlife.
If you or a pet is bitten or scratched — even slightly — seek medical or veterinary care immediately, and report the exposure to your local health department or animal control.
If you encounter injured or sick wildlife, contact a licensed rehabilitator or a trusted local wildlife-rescue organization (for example, rescues such as Secret Squirrel Rescue or Sunrise Rehab, or the local veterinary experts at University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine) — do not attempt to handle the animal yourself.
We care about the health and well-being of all residents — human, pet, and wild. Please stay aware, stay safe, and help spread the word in your neighborhoods.
Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe and wildlife-wise. 🐾
Community Care Veterinary Specialists
3515 NW 98th St Gainesville, Fl 32606
(352) 225-3501
CCVETSpecialists.com
