BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
The Florida Department of Health in Bradford County has issued a rabies alert following a confirmed case of rabies in a stray cat found north of Lawtey, off U.S. 301, on Dec. 1.
The alert highlights the presence of rabies in the local wildlife population and emphasizes the importance of taking preventive measures.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, making prevention and prompt treatment crucial.
In light of this recent case, the health department is urging residents and visitors to exercise caution, as rabies can be present in wild animals, including raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks and coyotes. The rabies alert will remain in effect for 60 days and encompasses specific boundaries in Bradford County:
—Northern boundary:
Northwest 251st Street
—Southern boundary:
Northwest 241st Street
—Eastern boundary:
Northeast Seventh Avenue
—Western boundary:
Northwest 15th Lane
Health officials recommend the following precautions to prevent potential rabies exposure:
Vaccination: Ensure that pets and livestock are immunized according to your veterinarian’s schedule.
Supervision: Keep pets under direct supervision and on leashes. Secure livestock to prevent interaction with wild animals.
Avoid wild animals: Do not handle or feed wild or stray animals, and ensure that garbage cans are sealed to avoid attracting them.
Seek medical attention: If bitten or scratched by any animal, seek medical care and report the incident to DOH-Bradford at 904-964-7732.
Do not adopt wild animals: Never bring wild animals into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Contact animal control: If you see stray animals in your neighborhood, call Bradford County Animal Services at 904-964-9200 for assistance.
Secure your home: Take measures to prevent wildlife, especially bats, from entering living spaces.
The health department emphasized the importance of awareness and vigilance regarding rabies, especially with the recent confirmed case. For more information about rabies and preventive measures, residents are encouraged to visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Bradford at 904-964-7732.
