PANAMA CITY — Operation Spay Bay is warning about the presence of rabies in Bay County.
“Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects both animals and humans, but it is entirely preventable through proper vaccination,” reads a June 2 release from Spay Bay. “We strongly encourage all pet owners to ensure their dogs, cats, and ferrets are current on their rabies vaccinations and to avoid contact with wildlife or unfamiliar animals.”
The local animal care operation shared a list of laboratory-confirmed rabid animals captured in Bay County from the county’s Florida Department of Health office.
Four animals have been confirmed to be infected with rabies in the county since January 2026. Thirteen were confirmed to be rabid between March and November of 2025.
The two most recent confirmed rabid animals were from May, both raccoons. One was found in Lynn Haven and another in Panama City.
Raccoons make up all the confirmed animals since August 2025.
The animal advocates say that those who have pets that have had any exposure to wildlife, been involved in an animal bite incident, or are overdue for a rabies vaccine should contact them as soon as possible. They list their office number as 850-215-1022 and their website as www.spaybay.com.
“Together, we can help protect our pets, our families, and our community,” reads the release from the organization. “Please share this information to help spread awareness.”
FDOH Bay County advises residents to avoid contact with wildlife, keep pets on a leash with direct supervision, immunize pets and livestock, and to never adopt wild animals or to bring them into your home.
“Animals with rabies may show strange behavior – they can be aggressive, attacking for no apparent reason, or act very tame (especially wild animals),” reads the FDOH guidance on the disease. “They may not be able to eat, drink or swallow. They may drool because they are unable to swallow their saliva.”
Infected animals may also stagger or become paralyzed, and eventually will die.
The virus is nearly 100% fatal in humans; however, FDOH says there is an effective treatment that can prevent infection if administered in time.
They advise that those who have been bitten by an animal to scrub the wound with lots of soap and running water for five to 10 minutes, attempt to get an accurate description of the animal and where it was located, go to their nearest healthcare provider or emergency room, and report the case to their county’s health department.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Operation Spay Bay reminds residents that rabies is still a threat
Reporting by Dylan Gentile, Panama City News Herald / The News Herald
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Dylan Gentile, Panama City News Herald | USA TODAY Network
