A third case of rabies has been confirmed in Houston County, Alabama, in 2025. The Houston County Health Department, along with the Alabama Department of Public Health, reported on Friday that a raccoon tested positive for the disease following an altercation with a resident’s dog on Quail Drive, located south of Dothan. Fortunately, there was no known human exposure, and the dog involved had been vaccinated against rabies.
This recent incident follows another case earlier in the year when a bat found dead on Elm Street also tested positive for rabies. Although health officials believe there is no further risk of infection from this particular case, they urge residents to take several precautionary measures to minimize the risk of rabies transmission.
Precautionary Measures Recommended
Residents are advised to educate children about the dangers of interacting with wild or stray animals. In the event of an animal bite, individuals should immediately wash the wound with soap and water, seek medical attention, and report the incident to local health authorities or animal control officials. Alabama state law mandates that all dogs and cats three months of age and older must be vaccinated against rabies.
The health departments are committed to ensuring the public’s safety by raising awareness about the importance of rabies vaccinations and responsible pet ownership. The confirmation of these rabies cases serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks associated with wildlife and the need for vigilance in communities.
Residents can stay informed about health alerts and news by downloading the WTVY News4 app, which provides real-time updates and information. It is crucial for the community to remain proactive in preventing rabies and to report any suspicious animal behavior to the appropriate authorities.
As rabies remains a significant public health concern, officials emphasize the importance of adhering to vaccination requirements and following safety guidelines to protect both pets and humans from this potentially fatal disease.
