Special to Clay Today

ORANGE PARK – Two rabies alerts are now in effect for Clay County.

A rabid cat was found in the Keystone Heights area with the zip code 32656 south of Gold Head Branch State Park, the county Health Department announced Wednesday, July 1. One week ago a racoon with rabies was found in the Orange Park area with zip code 32073.

Both alerts are in effect for 60 days. County officials warned residents to stay away from wild and stray animals.

Nancy Mills, county Health Department adminsitrator, said pet owners need to be sure their animals are vaccinated and to stay away from feral cats and dogs.

"Well intended people feed strays or other wild animals which makes the feral animals more comfortable with humans and puts the humans and their pets at risk for a very serious disease," Mills said. "One that is almost always fatal to humans if not caught and treated in time. As we expand our subdivisions into rural territories, we are also moving closer to wild animals (skunks and raccoons) and increase our exposure."

The raccoon was discovered in an area east of Blanding Boulevard in the 32073 zip code area of Orange Park, according to a Health Department news release Friday, June 26. There are no reports of humans being exposed to the raccoon, however, one pet was exposed.

In Florida, raccoons, bats and foxes are most frequently diagnosed with rabies.  Other high risk animals for rabies include skunks, otters, coyotes, bobcats, and stray or unvaccinated cats, dogs and ferrets. 

Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to animals and humans.  Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal.  Exposure to the saliva can occur from a bite, scratch, or contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth.

The following steps are recommended to protect yourself and your loved ones against rabies: 

* Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets. 

* Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals.  If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance immediately.

* Avoid contact with all wildlife, especially raccoons, bats and foxes

* Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.

* Report animal bites or exposures to Clay County Animal Control at (904) 269-6342.

* Secure outside garbage in covered containers to avoid attracting wild animals.

* Do not leave pet food outside.

For further information on rabies, go to the Florida Department of Health website:

www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrol/epi/disease.htm; www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/rabies/rabies-index.html

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