Marion County issues rabies alert in response to two confirmed cases in raccoons

MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion) has issued a rabies alert in response to two confirmed cases of rabies in raccoons.

DOH-Marion says the racoons were captured in the Rainbow Lakes Estates and southwest Ocala areas in Marion County on April 26.

The health department says all residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population.

Health officials say due to the potential for rabies exposure, people and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals like raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, coyotes.

This rabies alert is for 60 days and includes the following sets of boundaries in Marion County:

First location:

·        Northern boundary: Southwest 52nd Street
·        Southern boundary: Southwest 80th Street
·        Eastern boundary: Southwest 80th Avenue
·        Western boundary: Southwest 110th Avenue

Second location:

·        Northern boundary: Southwest Pine Bluffs Boulevard
·        Southern boundary: Southwest Tiger Lake Boulevard/Southwest 59th Lane
·        Eastern boundary: Southwest Bluegill Road
·        Western boundary: Southwest Persimmon Lane

The health department advises you to take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:

·        Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
·        Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property.
·        Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other sources of food.
·        Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
·        Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood (see number below for Marion County).
·       Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.

If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH-Marion by calling 352-629-0137.

If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Marion County Animal Services at 352-671-8727.

For more information on rabies, click here.