The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County (DOH- Alachua) issued a rabies alert on Thursday after a confirmed case was found in a stray cat located in an area south of Hawthorne.
The cat was found off SE U.S. Hwy 301 in Alachua County on Aug. 28, and DOH-Alachua is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area. County residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population.
According to the release, 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 Alachua County:
- Northern boundary: SE 12 Avenue
- Southern boundary: SE 24 Avenue
- Eastern boundary: County Road 219A
- Western boundary: SE U.S. Hwy 301
Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:
- Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
- 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 Alachua County Animal Control at 352-264-6870.
- 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- Alachua by calling 352-225-4167.
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
- Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Alachua County Animal Control at 352-264-6870.
- Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, 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 DOH-Alachua at 452-334-7900.