LAFAYETTE, Fla.(WTXL) — The Florida Department of Health in Lafayette County has issued a rabies alert in response to a confirmed case of rabies found in a fox.
The alert was issued for the south western part of Lafayette County near Mayo.
Officials say rabies alerts are designed to increase awareness to the public, but they should not get a false sense of security to areas that have not been named as under an alert.
This rabies alert is in effect for 60 days.
The Florida Department of Health says anyone who has been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the Florida Department of Health in Suwannee County at 386-362-2708.
They also recommend that you take the following steps to protect yourself, your loved ones and your pets against rabies:
• 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 is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact the local animal control agency.
• Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood.
• Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
• Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people and pets.
For further information on rabies, go to Floridahealth.gov or call the Florida Department of Health in Suwannee County at 386-362-2708.
