SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Sumter County issued a rabies alert after a positive case was confirmed in the Sumterville area, according to a news release.
A case of rabies in a cat was confirmed on Tuesday off County Road 301, the release states. As the department of health continues to monitor rabies among wild animals in the area, residents and visitors are urged to keep in mind that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population, according to the releases.
The rabies alert will be active for 60 days in the following boundary area, which is also depicted at the top of this story:
- South of EC 470
- North of County Road 528
- East of County Road 529a
- West of County Road 471
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The health department recommended 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 Sumter County Animal Services at 352-689-4400.
- 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-Sumter by calling 352-569-3102.
- 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 Sumter County Animal Services at 352-689-4400.
- 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.
Illness caused by the rabies virus can be nearly 100% fatal in humans if left untreated, according to the Florida Department of Health. For more information on rabies, follow this link to the FDOH website.
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