Tampa, Fla. (970 WFLA)-A domestic cat that tested positive for rabies has prompted an additional rabies alert to be issued for Hillsborough county. This is the third case of rabies in the county this year, the first two cases were reported in Lutz.
The rabies alert is for 60 days for the Pinnacle Heights Circle neighborhood in the 33624 zip code.The alert covers an area from Ehrlich road, south to Highway 587, and Casey Road/South Village west to Farmington Blvd. /Canopy Creek Drive.
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.
Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm blooded animals and humans. 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.
The following advice is issued:· 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: Florida Department of Health