Florida Department of Health Issues Rabies Alert In Marion County

 

Raccoon. Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission 

MARION COUNTY, Florida -The Florida Department of Health in Marion County issued a rabies alert in response to two confirmed cases of rabies in raccoons that were captured in the Rainbow Lakes Estates and southwest Ocala areas in Marion County on April 26, 2024. 

All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies may be currently present in the wild animal population.

People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals (e.g., raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, coyotes), which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment. 

If you are exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect you from the risk of rabies.

This rabies alert is for 60 days and includes the following boundaries in Marion County:

First location:

Northern boundary: Southwest 52nd Street

Southern boundary: Southwest 80th Street

Eastern boundary: Southwest 80th Avenue

Western boundary: Southwest 110th Avenue

Second location:

Northern boundary: Southwest Pine Bluffs Boulevard

Southern boundary: Southwest Tiger Lake Boulevard/Southwest 59th Lane

Eastern boundary: Southwest Bluegill Road

Western boundary: Southwest Persimmon Lane

Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:

Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Marion County Animal Services at 352-671-872.

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 you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH-Marion by calling 352-629-0137.

Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator (link opens in new window).

Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Marion County Animal Services at 352-671-8727.

Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.

Prevent wildlife, including bats (link opens in new window)., from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.