The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County has issued a rabies alert in the Land O’ Lakes area, after an infected raccoon attacked a family dog.
The dog, officials said, was vaccinated, although the raccoon did test positive for rabies. That has compelled them to issue the warning that rabies is present in the wild animal population, and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated.
Residents are asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in the county, and while the health department has issued an alert for a specific area, they said the entire county should remain vigilant against the disease.
The current alert will run into the beginning of January and includes an area of Land O’ Lakes bordered by U.S. 41 on the east, Falling Rock and Lake Vienna drives in the south, Marchmont Boulevard in the west, and Mitchell Lane and Champions Avenue in the north.
An animal with rabies can infect other wild 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, health officials said. That includes raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes specifically.
Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization.
Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
- Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.
- Keep pets under direct supervision so they do not come into contact with wild animals. If a wild animal bites a pet, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately.
- Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
- 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.
- Precent bats form entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people and pets.
- If an animal bites a person, seek care promptly. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Go to a family doctor ore hospital for immediate medical attention.
- For bites and scratches, contact Pasco County Animal Services at (813) 929-1212, and reach out to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at (863) 648-3203 for concerns about wild animals.
