Hailey Heseltine
ECB Publishing, Inc.
The Jefferson County branch of the Florida Department of Health (DOH) has issued a rabies alert for our area. On April 12, a confirmed case of rabies was found in a wild bobcat. Since rabies is an infectious and deadly disease, it is recommended that all exercise special caution during this time. Though it is important to always be on the guard against rabies regardless of where you live, this
alert is active for the next 60 days in an area with the northern boundary at Hartsfield Road, the eastern boundary at the Aucilla River, the southern boundary at U.S. Highway 90, and the western boundary at N. Salt Road. If you live within this boundary, be on guard! Even if you do not live within the boundary, exercise special caution. Rabies is an infectious and deadly virus, and it can be transmitted to both animals and humans.
Here are some tips for minimizing risk of rabies:
• Avoid any contact with wild animals. Do not touch, feed, or attract any wild animal, regardless of if they seem to present rabies symptoms. Do not allow your pets to come into contact with wild animals, either. Keep them under close supervision, such as on a leash or otherwise secured from wild animals. If your pet experiences contact with a wild animal, especially an aggressive or erratic one, take your pet to the vet immediately and call Jefferson County Animal Control at (850) 342-0184.
• Ensure your pets are up-to-date on their rabies immunizations, and observe their behavior for any unusual changes; take them to a vet as soon as possible they need an updated immunization. If they exhibit worrisome or unusual behaviors, separate them from your other animals, take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible, and seek medical professional medical attention for yourself immediately. Seek advice from veterinarians and healthcare providers. Though it primarily affects the wild animal population, rabies can be transmitted to domestic animals and humans, and it will be deadly if not treated immediately. Rabies immunizations are the best method of ensuring your pets do not get rabies and pass it on to any animals or humans.
• If there are any stray animals nearby, you may call Jefferson County Animal Control Director Robbie Slack at (850) 342-0184 for removal.
• Keep an eye out to ensure you are not attracting any wild animals. Keep lids on your garbage cans, clean up any litter or food, and take steps to ensure wildlife will not enter any living quarters, where they may come into contact with people or your domestic animals.
• Especially avoid bats, which are known for carrying rabies.
• If you are bitten or scratched by any wild animal, or by a domestic animal that exhibits unusual behavior, even if the animal seems to present no symptoms of rabies, you must seek professional medical attention immediately. Additionally, report the incident to the DOH by calling (850) 342-0170.
For more information on rabies in general, such as symptoms and how to minimize risk, visit floridahealth.gov/rabies. For further updates on this alert and more tips for avoiding contact with rabies, you may call the DOH at (850) 342-0170.
Stay on guard against rabies, and keep your loved ones—both people and pets—safe!
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