Florida Department of Health issues rabies alert in Duval County

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Duval County has issued a rabies alert for the Wesconnett area of Jacksonville.

The discovery of a rabid cat in the Wesconnett area is the reason for the alert, which will remain in effect through Sept. 8.

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The affected area borders Robert Gordon Drive and Prince Edward Road down to Blain Street and Patrol Road at Roosevelt Road. It also extends east to west from Fair Lane to Little Acres Lane.

Rabies is a viral disease that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including cats, dogs and people, although some species are somewhat naturally resistant to the disease.

Because the virus can be shed in the saliva of infected animals, the virus is usually transmitted when the saliva of an infected animal is introduced beneath the skin of a bite wound. An animal with rabies could infect other wild animals or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies.

DOH says that all domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and all wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly with raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes. Rabies can be fatal and the only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Beginning the appropriate treatment soon after exposure can protect an exposed person from the disease.

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DOH suggests the following guidelines:

• Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.
• Always maintain control of your pets.
• If a pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact the Florida Department of Health in Duval County at (904) 253-1280.
• Persons who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the Florida Department of Health in Duval County at (904) 253-1280.
• Animal control should be called to remove any stray animals from neighborhoods.
• Do not handle, feed or unintentionally attract wild animals by leaving pet food outside or by leaving garbage cans open.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into homes.
• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear cute or friendly.
• Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces.

Lindsay Layendecker with the Jacksonville Humane Society said to keep your pets close.

“Something else you can do is make sure they’re not interacting with other animals you’re not familiar with,” Layendecker said.

She also said there are telling signs of rabies.

“What you’re going to want to look for in your own personal pet is a sudden change in behavior and acting aggressive. Also, drooling is something they point to when it comes to rabies,” Layendecker.

If your furry friend is acting out, Layendecker said take them to the vet immediately. It may not be rabies, but it’s better to check them out and be sure.

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