MAYO — Southwestern Lafayette County is on alert for rabies.
The Lafayette County Health Department issued a rabies alert for Cooks Hammock on Friday. The alert is in effect for 60 days.
DOH-Lafayette issued the alert in response to a confirmed case of rabies in an unvaccinated dog in the Cooks Hammock area off State Road 51 in southwestern Lafayette County on Jan. 18.
According to the alert, DOH-Lafayette is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area.
All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population, the alert states. People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals (e.g., raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, coyotes), which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment.
DOH-Lafayette states that if someone is exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect them from the risk of rabies.
The health department also says people can take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:
n Immunize pets and livestock based on a veterinarian’s recommended schedule;
n Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on one’s property. If an animal bites a pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office at 386-294-1222;
n 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. Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, should seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH-Lafayette by calling 386-294-1321;
n Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator; and
n 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, please visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Lafayette at 386-294-1321.