MARION COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department Of Health in Marion County has issued a rabies alert after two confirmed cases in raccoons.
According to health officials, the infected raccoons were captured in the Rainbow Lakes Estates and southwest Ocala areas in Marion County on April 26. The department said all residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population, which is being monitored.
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People and pets should avoid contact with wild animals. Anyone exposed to rabies should receive appropriate treatment to help protect them from any risks.
The rabies alert is for 60 days and includes the following sets of boundaries in Marion County:
First location:
- Northern boundary: Southwest 52nd Street
- Southern boundary: Southwest 80th Street
- Eastern boundary: Southwest 80th Avenue
- Western boundary: Southwest 110th Avenue
Second location:
- Northern boundary: Southwest Pine Bluffs Boulevard
- Southern boundary: Southwest Tiger Lake Boulevard/Southwest 59th Lane
- Eastern boundary: Southwest Bluegill Road
- Western boundary: Southwest Persimmon Lane
Residents can take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:
- Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
- Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Marion County Animal Services at 352-671-8727.
- Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other sources of food. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH-Marion by calling 352-629-0137.
- 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 Marion County Animal Services at 352-671-8727.
- Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.
For more information, visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or call 863-519-8300.
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