ALACHUA COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) has issued a rabies alert for parts of Northwest Alachua County Wednesday.

In a release, they shared the alert is for an area between Newberry and High Springs along State Road 45. They say the alert comes after a stray cat tested positive on Tuesday, Dec. 12.

They say due to the presence of rabies in the ‘wild animal population,’ domestic animals that are not vaccinated are at risk.

“The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in Alachua County,” said county officials. “Alerts are designed to increase awareness to the public, but they should not get a false sense of security in areas that have not been named as under an alert.

They say the center of the alert is at the intersection of Northwest 62nd Avenue and State Road 45. The boundaries of the alert include Northwest 78th Avenue and Northwest 266th Street in High Springs and Northwest 46th Avenue and Northwest 234th Street in Newberry.

County officials say the alert will last for 60 days. They are asking residents and visitors to take the following precautions:

  • Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.
  • Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals. If your pet happens to bit by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance immediately and contact Alachua County Animal Services at 352-264-6880.
  • Call your local animal control agency if you see any stray animals in your neighborhood.
  • Never handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
  • Do not adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
  • Teach your children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if the animal seems friendly.
  • Be sure to prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas where they could come in contact with people and pets.
  • If you or someone you know has been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals, seek medical attention and report the injury to the FDOH in Alachua County at 352-334-7930.