Sumter County issues warning after cat tests positive for rabies

The Florida Department of Health in Sumter County is issuing a rabies alert after a case of rabies was discovered in a cat in the Sumterville area off U.S. 301 in Sumter County on Tuesday.

The Health Department is monitoring rabies among wildlife in the area. 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 wild animals (e.g. raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, coyotes) because they pose a higher risk to humans and require post-exposure treatment for rabies. If you are exposed to rabies, appropriate post-exposure treatment will protect you from the risk of rabies.

This rabies warning is in effect for 60 days and includes the following boundaries in Sumter County:

· South of EC 470

· North of County Road 528

· East of county road 529a

· west of County Road 471

Below you can see a map with the boundaries of the rabies warning, highlighted in yellow:

Take the following precautions to prevent infection with rabies:

· 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 a If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary attention immediately and contact Sumter County Animal Services at (352) 689-4400.

· 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-Sumter at 352-569-3102.

· Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

· Call your local animal control service to Remove all stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Sumter County Animal Services at 352-689-4400.

· Prevent wildlife, including Batsfrom entering living spaces or occupied areas in homes, schools and other similar areas where they may come into contact with people and pets.