OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County issued a rabies alert on Friday, reporting a positive test from a cat that was euthanized on Jan. 10.
The case occurred in the St. Cloud area, near Carolina Avenue, DOH-Osceola said in a news release.
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“DOH-Osceola is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area,” the release states. “All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population.”
The alert will be active for 60 days in the following boundaries:
- Northern boundary: Lakeshore Blvd. from 1500 block east
- Southern boundary: Fertic Road
- Eastern boundary: to Old Hickory Tree Road
- Western boundary: Wisconsin Avenue
Illness caused by the rabies virus can be nearly 100% fatal in humans if left untreated, according to the Florida Department of Health.
The health department recommends taking 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 Osceola Animal Services at 407-742-8000.
- 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-Osceola by calling 407-742-8606.
- 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 Osceola Animal Services at 407-742-8000.
- 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.
For more information on rabies, follow this link to the FDOH website.