Residents in the Micanopy area are being warned about a bat testing positive for rabies.
People who live or work in the area should maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in the area. 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.
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. Also, residents should not get a false sense of security if their area has not been named.
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.
Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal should seek medical attention and report the injury to their county health department. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek immediate veterinary assistance for the animal and contact your county’s Animal Services department.
For more information on rabies, visit www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/rabies.