MARTIN COUNTY − A positive rabies test result from a raccoon found at Sewall’s Point has led health officials to warn of the virus spreading among local wildlife.
The Florida Department of Health issued the warning, urging “all residents and visitors” to avoid any contact with wild animals and to vaccinate all pets against the deadly virus.
While it says “all contact with wildlife should be avoided,” the agency issued additional guidance to avoid anyone with raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes.
The virus is considered fatal to humans and warm-blooded animals and targets the nervous system. The only treatment for exposure, the agency said is “rabies-specific immune globulin” and vaccination.
According to health officials, “Appropriate treatment begun as soon as possible after exposure will protect an exposed person from disease.”
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The Martin County Health Department has issued the following precautions and guidelines for all residents and visitors:
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Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash to avoid contact with wild or stray animals.
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If your pet is bitten by an animal, get veterinary help for the animal immediately and contact Martin County Animal Control at 772-463-3211.
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Avoid contact with wild or wild animals. Do not handle, feed, or accidentally attract them with open trash cans or litter.
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Vaccinate your pets based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
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Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or regularly vaccinated.
More information can be found on Florida Health’s webpage about the virus.
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Corey Arwood is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. follow @coreyarwood at X, email [email protected] or call 772-978-2246.
This article originally appeared in Treasure Coast Newspapers: State health officials warn about rabies found in Martin County raccoon
