Florida Department of Health
Contributor
The Florida Department of Health in Suwannee County (DOH-Suwannee) is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area. This is in response to a confirmed case of rabies in a fox that was killed in the west central area of County Road 136 West in Suwannee County on Sunday, April 14. All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies may be currently present in the wild animal population.
People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals (e,g., raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, coyotes), which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment. If you are exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect you from the risk of rabies. This rabies alert is for 60 days and includes the following boundaries in Suwannee County:
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Northern boundary: 76th Street.
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Eastern boundary: 161st Road.
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Southern boundary: 104th Street.
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Western boundary: 193rd Road.
Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:
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Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact the Suwannee County Sheriff Department Animal Control at (386) 208-0072.
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Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other sources of food. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention and report the injury to DOH-Suwannee by calling (386) 362-2708.
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Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
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Call City of Live Oak or Suwannee County Animal Control to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood.
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Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
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Prevent wildlife, including 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 more information on rabies, visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact the DOH-Suwannee at (386) 362-2708.