DUVAL COUNTY, Florida — Florida Department of Health in Duval County (DOH-Duval) is issuing a rabies alert for the area of Begonia Street and 6th Street in Duval County.
The alert follows several attacks by a coyote in Atlantic Beach, News4jax.com reported.
This rabies alert is for 60 days and includes the following boundaries in Duval County:
Northern boundary: Modesky Park
Southern boundary: Seagate Avenue
Eastern boundary: Beach Avenue
Western boundary: San Pablo Road North
All animal bites within Duval County should be reported to the Rabies Prevention Program for investigation and follow-up.
To report animal bites, call the Florida Department of Health in Duval County at 904-253-1280 or the City of Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services at 904-630-2489.
Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:
- Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
- 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 Animal Care and Protective Services at (904) 630-CITY (2489).
- 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-Duval by calling (904) 253-1280.
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
- Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Animal Care and Protective Services at (904) 630-CITY (2489).
- Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.
