ADPH Urges Rabies Precautions After Positive Cases in Lee and Elmore Counties

May 6, 2026 - MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is urging residents to ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies after two wild animals - a raccoon in Lee County and a fox in Elmore County - tested positive for the virus.

According to ADPH, the raccoon was reported acting abnormally near Auburn on May 1. In Tallassee, a fox emerged from a wooded area and attacked a person, who has since sought medical treatment. Both incidents underscore the ongoing risk of rabies exposure from wildlife across the state.

State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Dee W. Jones said rabies activity tends to rise in late spring, but the threat is present year‑round.

"Rabies is not seasonal, and we continue to see cases year‑round, but late spring is a time when activity peaks, particularly in wildlife," Jones said. He noted that while direct human contact with wildlife is uncommon, "the primary risk of rabies from wildlife is our pets, and keeping them up to date on rabies vaccine is critical."

Alabama law requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older to be current on rabies vaccinations. The first vaccination is valid for only one year, regardless of the vaccine type. ADPH stresses that keeping pets vaccinated not only protects the animals but also reduces the risk of transmission to owners and caretakers.

ADPH: Prevention Starts at Home

Rabies prevention involves a combination of responsible pet care, caution around wildlife, and prompt reporting of any potential exposure. ADPH encourages residents to take the following steps:

Keep pets confined to a fenced area or on a leash; do not allow them to roam.

Remove food sources by keeping pet food and scraps away from the home.

Never feed or keep wildlife as pets.

Avoid animals acting strangely or showing unusual behavior.

Teach children to stay away from stray or wild animals, regardless of how they appear.

ADPH also reminds residents to report any animal bite or potential exposure to a medical provider or the department immediately.

For more information about rabies prevention, contact ADPH at (334) 206‑5969 or visit alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/rabies.html.