Rabid Racoon Reported In Cantonment Area

April 5, 2008

The Escambia County Health Department reports that a rabid racoon was spotted in the Cantonment area near the intersection of West Ten Mile Road and Stefani Road.

The rabid racoon may have interacted with other domestic animals that are kept outside or allowed to go outdoors, such as dogs, cats or horses, the health department said.

The Brook Hollow, Brook Hollow Acres and Sharon Park subdivisions should pay particular attention to their domestic animals for signs of wild animal bites or rabies exposure, according to a press release from the health department. If rabies exposure is suspected, pet owners should contact their veterinarian immediately.

From the Escambia County Health Department:

Rabies is fatal to humans and pets. It can be transmitted even through a minor scratch from a wild animal or an unvaccinated domestic animal that was exposed. Residents are reminded not to interact with raccoons or any wild animals that may carry rabies such as bats and foxes. It is vital that residents get their animals, including horses, vaccinated against rabies and keep the vaccinations current.

The Escambia County Health Department advises:

  • Animals with rabies may show strange behavior – they can be aggressive, attacking for no aapparent reason – while others, especially wild animals, may act very tame
  • The animal may not be able to eat, drink, or swallow. They may drool because they cannot swallow their saliva. They may stagger or become paralyzed. Eventually they will die.
  • Raccoons, in particular, may carry rabies without showing the normal signs of the disease.
  • The best way to avoid exposure to rabies is to avoid contact with raccoons and wild animals.
  • Keep raccoons out of the house and yard – do not place raccoon feeders in the yard.
  • Protect pets by vaccinating them for rabies.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News