Health officials are cautioning residents to stay vigilant after a rabid skunk was found in Marion County late last month.
The rabies alert, which is active for 60 days, comes with a reminder to vaccinate pets and make sure they stay away from wildlife, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes. Any of these animals, if infected, can spread the disease to other animals, usually through a bite.
The disease infects the central nervous system and will cause agitation, hallucinations, hypersalivation and inability to swallow before it kills the animal within days of initial exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
The center of the alert is northwest Marion County and it also includes the following areas:
Northwest 110th Street to the north
Northwest 63rd Street to the south
Northwest Highway 225A to the east
Northwest 115th Avenue to the west
The Florida Department of Health reminds residents in the affected area and beyond to follow the tips below to stop the spread of rabies:
-Make sure all pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations
-Supervise pets so they don't come into contact with wildlife. If a pet is bitten, contact animal services immediately
-Report stray animals to animal services
-Avoid feeding, touching, interacting with or intentionally attracting wild animals
-Do not adopt wild animals or bring them into your home
-Teach children to not interact with wild animals, even if they appear friendly
-Keep bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces
-Seek medical attention if you're bitten or scratched by a wild animal
More information can be found at FloridaHealth.gov.
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