Rabies advisory for Nassau County
The Nassau County Health Department has issued a rabies advisory for Nassau County. A bobcat was tested positive for rabies Monday after entering a homeowner's garage in West Nassau.
Since bobcats may roam over a wide range, it is important for all citizens to be aware of the risk for rabies in wildlife. Since Nov. 1 there have been 26 cases of animal rabies reported in the state of Florida (1 horse, 1 dog, 1 bobcat, 3 bats and 20 raccoons).
All citizens in Nassau County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population. The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in Nassau County. An animal with rabies could infect other wild animals or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and all wildlife contact should be avoided, including and especially raccoons, bats, bobcats and foxes.
Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. If treatment is started soon after the exposure, it almost always protects the person from the disease.
The following advice is issued:
~~ All pets should have current rabies immunizations.
~~ Avoid contact with all wildlife, especially raccoons, bats, bobcats and foxes.
~~ All persons with any unusual exposure incident, or bites, with a wild animal should contact the Nassau County Health Department.
~~ For general questions pertaining to animals and rabies contact Nassau County Animal Control (for the Yulee, Callahan and Hilliard areas) at 491-7440 or the Nassau Humane Society (for Fernandina Beach) at 491-0122.
~~ Secure outside garbage in covered containers and
do not leave pet food out-
side. This attracts other animals.
~~ Keep garage doors closed and fenced in areas secure.
~~ For questions regarding the health of an animal, contact a veterinarian.
~~ Veterinarian staff and animal control staff should be alert for animals encountered with signs suspicious for rabies and contact the Nassau County Health Department.
For further information, go to the Florida Department of Health website: www.doh. state.fl.us/environment/medicine/rabies/rabies-index. html, or contact the Nassau County Health Department, Disease Control and Prevention Program, Crystal Miller, epidemiologist, at 548-1800, ext. 5209, or Kim Geib at 548-1800, ext 5204.
Story created Jan 16, 2012 - 11:30:22 PST.
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