The Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion) has issued a rabies alert after a cat recently tested positive for the disease.
According to DOH-Marion, the alert is in response to a confirmed case of rabies in a cat that was killed in the Citra area, near NE 30th Court, on Tuesday, September 10.
Local health officials are monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area, and all residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population.
This rabies alert will remain in effect for 60 days and includes the following boundaries in Marion County:
- Northern boundary: NE 175th Street Road
- Southern boundary: E Highway 316
- Eastern boundary: NE 44th Avenue
- Western boundary: N U.S. Highway 301
Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to humans and warm-blooded animals. An animal with rabies could infect other animals that have not received a rabies vaccination. Rabies is always a danger in wild animal populations, and domestic animals are at risk if they are not vaccinated.
The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. To protect an exposed person from the disease, appropriate treatment should be started soon after exposure.
If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention and report the injury to DOH-Marion by calling 352-629-0137.
In the event that your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek immediate veterinary assistance for the animal, and contact Marion County Animal Services at 352-671-8700.
Residents and visitors in Marion County are advised to take the following precautions to prevent exposure to rabies:
- 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.
- Avoid all 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.
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
- Never handle unfamiliar animals (wild or domestic), even if they appear friendly.
- Contact your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood.
- Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas where they might encounter people and pets.
For more information, visit the Florida Department of Health’s Rabies webpage, or call DOH-Marion at 352-629-0137.