Dog in Covington County confirmed positive for rabies; precautions advised

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Published March 30th, 2026

Detected March 30th, 2026

Summary

The Alabama Department of Public Health confirmed a dog in Andalusia (Covington County) tested positive for rabies. A veterinarian submitted the dog for testing after suspecting rabies, and the ADPH Bureau of Clinical Laboratories confirmed the diagnosis. Human exposure occurred, requiring affected individuals to seek medical evaluation. The state reiterates that Alabama law requires dogs, cats, and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older to be current on rabies vaccinations.

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What changed

ADPH confirmed rabies in a dog in Andalusia, Alabama, with human exposure reported. The dog was tested by a veterinarian who suspected rabies and was confirmed positive at the ADPH Bureau of Clinical Laboratories. State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Dee W. Jones emphasized the importance of pet vaccination given the presence of rabid animals in the area, noting that rabies clusters in wildlife and strays are common this time of year.

Pet owners should ensure their dogs, cats, and ferrets are current on rabies vaccinations as required by Alabama law. Any individual with potential exposure to the infected animal or other rabid animals should contact their medical provider or ADPH immediately for post-exposure prophylaxis evaluation. Area residents should take precautions including keeping pets confined, removing pet food from outdoors, not approaching strange animals, and supervising children around animals.

What to do next

Verify that all dogs, cats, and ferrets in your household are current on rabies vaccinations as required by Alabama law
Seek immediate medical evaluation if you had contact with the infected dog or any other animal exhibiting unusual behavior
Report any animal bites or suspected rabies exposures to your medical provider or ADPH at (334) 206-5969

Source document (simplified)

News Releases Health

Dog in Covington County confirmed positive for rabies; precautions advised

Newsroom
March 30, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Dee W. Jones, D.V.M., 334-206-5969

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has confirmed that a dog in Andalusia has tested positive for rabies. This incident involved human exposure. A veterinarian who suspected the dog was rabid sent it to Auburn for testing. The dog was then taken to the ADPH Bureau of Clinical Laboratories in Prattville where rabies was confirmed.

According to Dr. Dee W. Jones, State Public Health Veterinarian, “This should be a stern reminder that all pets should be properly vaccinated against rabies, given the circumstances of rabid animals now in the same general area.” He adds, “It is not unusual to see clusters of rabies cases in wild animals and strays during this time of year.”

It is very common for domestic animals and pets to have contact with a wild rabid animal. Alabama state law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older be current with rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccines are also available for horses and other livestock if recommended by a veterinarian. Vaccinating animals reduces the risk of rabies infection should exposure occur; thus, vaccinations protect animals, as well as their owners and caretakers.

Rabies prevention is multifaceted. It involves people taking precautions around wildlife, ensuring their pets are current on rabies vaccinations, and always reporting an animal bite or other exposure to their medical provider or ADPH. In addition to vaccination, area residents are advised to take the following precautions to avoid possible exposure to rabies:

Do not allow pets to run loose; confine them within a fenced-in area or with a leash.
Do not leave uneaten pet food or scraps near your residence.
Do not illegally feed or keep wildlife as pets.
Do not go near wildlife or domestic animals that are acting in a strange or unusual manner.
Caution children not to go near any stray or wild animal, regardless of its behavior. For more information about rabies and prevention, please contact ADPH at (334) 206-5969 or visit the rabies section of the ADPH Infectious Diseases website.

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County health departments throughout Alabama provide a wide range of confidential and professional services. Contact your local county health department for additional information.

Mission: To promote, protect, and improve Alabama’s health

Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.