- Hillsborough County, Florida, USA -
A raccoon who attacked a dog and was then seen around Frost Aster Drive in Riverview on October 15, tested positive for rabies.
This is the first 2019 case of rabies in the county.
The dog was taken to a local veterinary clinic and was injected a rabies vaccine.
He is expected to recover and has been quarantined.
People who live within a 500-foot radius from where the raccoon was found have been notified.
Rabies is a disease of the nervous system that can kill warm-blooded animals and humans.
10 News reports that the Health Department warns that “anyone who has been bitten, scratched, or exposed to the saliva of any wild animal or an animal that is acting unusual should always report the exposure to the local health department.”
The county health department says there are precautions people in the area should follow.
10 News has listed them for you:
· Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.
· If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County at (813) 307-8059.
· 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.
· Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people and pets.
· Persons who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County at (813) 307-8059.
