Warning issued in Ocala for rabid cat

Residents advised to supervise their pets

OCALA, Fla. – A rabies warning was issued Wednesday in downtown Ocala after a cat tested positive for the disease.

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County warns all county residents that rabies is present and all unvaccinated animals -– both domestic and wild -– are at risk.

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Rabies affects the nervous system and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans.

The rabies alert lasts for 60 days and includes about a three-block area from 11th Street to 19th Street and 14th Avenue to 19th Avenue.

Residents are instructed to keep their pets under supervision and avoid contact with wildlife, including raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes.

Ocala residents are encouraged to keep their pets up to date on all vaccinations and avoid contact with wild animals in the area.

Anyone who is bitten or scratched by wild animals or domestic animals suspected to carry the disease should seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to the Florida Department of Health in Marion County at 352-629-0137.

For more information, visit floridahealth.gov.


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