County Issues Rabies Alert

County Issues Rabies Alert

BROOKSVILLE - The county health department is warning the public about a rabid raccoon that fought two dogs in the area of Kirkland Avenue in Spring Hill.

The raccoon was captured and taken to Animal Services, where it tested positive for the rabies virus on Dec. 12. While at Animal Services, the raccoon was killed when it got into a fight with another dog, according to a news release.

Owners of domesticated animals who have been exposed to a confirmed case of rabies are asked to provide proof of vaccination. If no proof can be provided, the animal is euthanized or placed on six-month quarantine.

Common carriers of rabies are raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Animals with rabies may act strangely, to include aggressiveness, random attack or tameness.

The Health Department recommends these tips to keep pets safe:

• Vaccinate all dogs, cats and ferrets over the age of three months against rabies. Vaccinations should be performed by a licensed veterinarian.

• Avoid all free-roaming dogs, cats and wild animals.

• Do not allow pets to run free. Follow leash laws and keep pets and livestock secured on your property.

• Do not feed or pet wild animals.

• Contact Hernando County Animal Services at 352-796-5062 to report stray dogs or cats or to report wild animals exhibiting aggressive or unusual behavior.