Tampa, Fla. (970 WFLA)- The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County, has issued a rabies alert for the area near Shady Pines Dr. in the Lutz area of Hillsborough County, after two raccoons recently tested positive for rabies.
All residents of Hillsborough County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated. This is the second case of rabies in the county this year, the first case was reported April 21, in the Lutz area of Hillsborough County.
The rabies alert will stay in effect for 60 days. The center of the rabies alert is at Shady Pines Drive, Lutz, 33548 and includes the following area boundaries in Hillsborough County:Lake Brant, North BoundaryHwy 41, East BoundaryLake Magdalene Blvd, South BoundaryLake Charles Cir. / Millan De Avila / Indian Mound Road, West Boundary.
An animal with rabies could infect other wild animals or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and all wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes.
The health department says keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center at(813) 744-5660.
Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals by leaving pet food outside, or garbage cans open. Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people and pets.
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 Hillsborough County at (813) 307-8059.
Photo Credit: Fl Dept. of Health
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