Rabies case prompts public health warning in Sarasota County

A confirmed case of rabies in a raccoon killed Tuesday at Grove Point Boulevard and Proctor Road prompted the Florida Department of Health-Sarasota County to issue a rabies warning.

The DOH advises that people and domestic animals should always avoid contact with wild animals such as raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes, which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment.

The precautions to prevent rabies exposure are:

• Immunize pets and livestock based on a veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
• Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured. If an animal bites a pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Sarasota Animal Services at 941-861-9501.
• 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 bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention and report the injury to DOH-Sarasota County by calling 941-861-2873.
• 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.

Visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Sarasota at 941-861-2873 for more information about rabies.