Rabies Alert For Santa Rosa

January 20, 2011

The Santa Rosa County Health Department is warning residents to avoid raccoons and other animals after two residents came in contact with raccoons that may have had rabies.

A raccoon that possibly had rabies came in contact with a family pet; the pet had to be euthanized because it had not received the rabies vaccine.

Rabies is a disease that affects the central nervous system.  The virus is carried in the saliva of infected animals and is usually transmitted to people and other animals through a bite or scratch.  Most cases of rabies occur in wild animals such as raccoons, foxes, skunks and bats, but domesticated animals can carry it as well.  The disease is fatal to humans and animals.

The following precautions should be taken to avoid exposure to rabies:

  • Avoid all contact with wild and unfamiliar domesticated animals.
  • Do not place feeders in the yard – the food will attract unwanted animals such as raccoons and foxes.
  • Vaccinate your pets against rabies and keep their shots up-to-date.
  • Do not leave your pets outside unsupervised.
  • Bring in pet food at night and secure trash cans with fasteners.
  • Cover bird feeders.  Most squirrel-proof coverings also deter wild animals.
  • Vaccinate pets against rabies and keep their vaccinations up-to-date. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendation for revaccination
  • If bitten or scratched by a wild animal or stray domesticated animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to the Santa Rosa County Health Department at 983-5275 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, or after hours call 418-5566.

If you see a suspicious animal in your yard or neighborhood, please call animal control at (850) 983-4680.  If a dead wild animal is on your property, please contact the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission’s regional office at (850) 265-3676, or their 24-hour law enforcement hotline at (888) 404-3922.

Comments

2 Responses to “Rabies Alert For Santa Rosa”

  1. doesnt matter on January 20th, 2011 8:55 pm

    why was this animal not quarentined 180 days via florida state statute? was the owner given the oppurtunity to quarentine there dog or aware of this statute. never in this county has a domestic house animal was positive for rabies.

  2. Just An Old Soldier on January 20th, 2011 10:35 am

    Are those numbers good for Santa Rosa County only, or is North Escambia included too?

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News