Rick Patrick
ECB Publishing, Inc.
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has issued a rabies health alert for Jefferson, Madison and Taylor Counties. This alert comes in response to a confirmed case of the disease in a raccoon on Wednesday, June 26. Visitors and residents should be cautious and aware that rabies may be present in the wild animal population.
“People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals, especially bats, which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment,” said DOH representative Lisa Hayes. “If you are exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect you from the risk of rabies.”
The 60-day alert has the following boundaries:
• Northern boundary: Interstate 10
• Southern boundary: U.S. Highway 19 to County Road 14
• Eastern boundary: U.S. Highway 221
• Western boundary: County Road 257
There are several precautions you can take in order to prevent rabies exposure:
• Keep all pets under direct supervision and on a leash. Keep all livestock secured on your property, in order to minimize contact with wild or stray animals. If a wild animal bites you pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance immediately.
• Keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date, including rabies vaccination.
• Avoid contact with any wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed or unintentionally attract animals with open garbage cans or litter. If you are bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention immediately.
• Call local animal control to remove stray animals from your neighborhood. In Jefferson County, Animal Control can be reached at (850) 342-0184. In Madison County, Animal Control can be reached at (850) 973-4001.
• Keep wildlife, including bats, from entering occupied spaces of homes or other buildings where they might come in contact with people or pets.
To report exposure, please call the DOH - Jefferson County at (850) 342-0170. In Madison County, please call (850) 973-5000. For more information about rabies, visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies.