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Friday, March 29, 2024

Marion County residents put on alert after raccoon tests positive for rabies in Reddick

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County is warning residents that a raccoon in Reddick has tested positive for rabies.

People who live or work in the Reddick area (particularly those who live north of NW 140th Street, south of NW 160th Street, west of NW 32nd Court and east of NW 54th Court) should maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in the area.

An animal with rabies could infect other animals that have not received a rabies vaccination. Domestic animals are at risk if they are not vaccinated, while rabies is always a danger in wild animal populations. Health department officials want to give public awareness but also want to make sure that no residents get a false sense of security because their area wasn’t named.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:

  • Avoid all contact with wildlife, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes. Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
  • Never handle unfamiliar animals (wild or domestic), even if they appear friendly.
  • Do not feed or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or trash.
  • Keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date for all pets.
  • Keep pets under direct supervision so they do not come into contact with wild animals.
  • Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools and other similar areas where they might encounter people and pets.

Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to humans and warm-blooded animals. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.

Individuals 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 Marion County at (352) 644-2713. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek immediate veterinary assistance for the animal and contact Marion County Animal Services at (352) 671-8727.

For more information on rabies, click HERE or call (352) 629-0137.

The Florida Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. For more information, visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.