The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH-Sarasota) is warning residents and visitors to be aware of rabies among wild animals in the area.
A press release says the health department is monitoring a single confirmed case of rabies in a raccoon. The animal was killed on the corner of Grove Point Boulevard and Proctor Road on Tuesday, July 21.
DOH says that people and domestic animals should always avoid contact with wild animals such as raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes, as they carry a higher risk of human rabies exposure and a need for post-exposure treatment.
The department says that if a person is exposed to rabies, getting the appropriate treatment after exposure will protect them from the risk of rabies.
DOH-Sarasota recommends taking the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:
- Immunize pets and livestock based on a veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
- Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property.
- If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Sarasota Animal Services at 941-861-9501.
- 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. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH-Sarasota by calling 941-861-2873.
- 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. You can contact Sarasota Animal Services at 941-861-9501.
- 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.
DOH provides additional information on rabies at FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies. You can also contact DOH-Sarasota at 941-861-2873.
Michaela Galligan is an intern covering a variety of topics for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. She can be reached at MGalligan@usatodayco.com. Support local journalism bysubscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Rabid raccoon prompts Sarasota County health advisory
