Santa Rosa under rabies warning after rabid fox killed near Chumuckla: NorthEscambia.com

The Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County (DOH-Santa Rosa) has issued a rabies alert in Santa Rosa County in response to a confirmed case of rabies in a fox killed May 8 in the Chumuckla area off Byrom Campbell Road . DOH-Santa Rosa monitors rabies in wildlife in the region. All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is currently present in the wildlife population.

People and pets should always avoid physical contact with wildlife (e.g., raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, coyotes) as they pose a higher risk of human exposure and require rabies treatment after exposure. If you are exposed to rabies, appropriate post-exposure treatment will protect you from the risk of rabies.

This rabies alert is in effect for 60 days and includes the following boundaries in Santa Rosa County:

• Northern border: County Road 182
• Southern boundary: Rock Creek Road
• Eastern boundary: Salter Road
• Western boundary: Roy Cook Road

Take the following precautions to prevent exposure to rabies:

• Vaccinate your pets and livestock according to the schedule recommended by your veterinarian.
• Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash and secure livestock on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek immediate veterinary attention for the animal and contact Santa Rosa County Animal Services at 850-983-4680.
• Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not touch them, feed them, or inadvertently attract them with outdoor pet food, open trash cans, or other food sources. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention and report the injury to DOH-Santa Rosa County at 850-983-5200.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
• Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Santa Rosa County Animal Services at 850-983-4680.
• Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living spaces or lounges in homes, schools and similar areas where they may come into contact with people and pets.