Raccoon Tests positive for rabies in Palm City.
A raccoon that attacked a dog in Palm City has tested positive for rabies. The dog was vaccinated, but as a precaution will remain under observation.
The attack happened on Monday in an area east of SW Murphy Road.
All residents and visitors in Martin County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated.
This is the second case of rabies in Martin County this year.
Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm blooded animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure, will protect an exposed person from the disease.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
- 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 for the animal immediately and contact Martin County Animal Control at 772-463-3211.
- Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood.
- 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 Martin County at 772-221-4000.
For further information on rabies, go tohttps://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/rabies/index.html
June 28,2017
