Cat Tests Positive For Rabies In Manatee County: FL Dept. Of Health

PALMETTO, FL — A rabies alert was issued in the Palm View area of Palmetto after a cat tested positive for rabies Wednesday, the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County said.

Rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated, the agency said.

The alert will be in place for the next 60 days with the following boundaries in place:

• 61st Street East/Palm View Road to the north
• 49th Street East/Experimental Farm Road to the south
• 28th Avenue Road/Jackson Road to the west
• County Road 683/Ellenton Gillette Road to the east

All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and all wildlife contact should
be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes, FDOH said.

Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies
immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed
person from the disease.

Residents and visitors should take the following precautions:

• Persons who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to DOH-Manatee at 941-714-7596.
• Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets and at-risk livestock.
• Do not allow pets to run free. Follow leash laws by keeping pets and livestock secured on your property.
• If a pet or livestock are bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Manatee County Animal Welfare at 941-742-5933.
• Support animal control in efforts to reduce feral and stray animal populations.
• Spay or neuter pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or regularly vaccinated.
• Do not handle, feed or unintentionally attract wild animals with outdoor food sources such as uncovered trash or litter.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear
• friendly.
• Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people and pets.