Rabies alert in Jacksonville from June 14

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Duval County on Friday issued a rabies warning that is in effect from June 14 through August 12.

The alert area is located in the north of the city. It is bordered by Scarborough Road to the north, New Berlin Road to the south, Yellowbluff Road to the east and Burton Island Way to the west.

The warning was issued because a rabid cat was found in the area.

According to FDOH, pet owners should ensure that their animals are under control outdoors to prevent infection.

Anyone exposed to rabies should receive appropriate treatment to protect themselves from the risk of rabies.

For more information about rabies, visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or call DOH-Duval at (904) 253-1280.

The DOH recommends the following rabies safety tips:

• Vaccinate your pets and livestock according to the vaccination schedule recommended by your veterinarian.
• Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock safe on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek immediate veterinary attention for the animal and contact Animal Control Services at (904) 630-CITY (2489).
• Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not touch them, feed them, or inadvertently attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other food sources. If you are bitten or scratched by a wild or domesticated animal, seek medical attention and report the injury to DOH-Duval at (904) 253-1280.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
• Call your local animal control agency to remove stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Animal Control Services at (904) 630-CITY (2489).
• Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering residential or occupied areas in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they may come into contact with people and pets.