SUWANNEE COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - The Florida Department of Health in Suwannee County issued a rabies alert for an area in the eastern section of Suwannee County adjacent to the City of Live Oak.
This is in response to a confirmed case of rabies in a raccoon.
The area affected is more particularly described at US 90 to the North; 104th Street to the South; SR 49 to the East; and Lee Street to the West.
Officials say all residents and visitors in Suwannee County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated. The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in Suwannee County.
The recent rabies alert will be active for 60 days.
The center of the rabies alert is the eastern section of Suwannee County adjacent to the City of Live Oak.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
o Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.
o Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals.
o If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact the local animal control agency.
o Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood.
o Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
o Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
o Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
o 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.
Persons who have 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. For further information on rabies, click here.
