LIVE OAK —Residents in west central Suwannee County should be aware of rabies possibly present in the area.
The Suwannee County Health Department issued an alert Thursday after finding a confirmed case of rabies in a fox killed in the area near County Road 136 west in Suwannee County on Sunday.
According to the health department, all residents and visitors should be “aware that rabies may be currently present in the wild animal population.”
The alert, which lasts for 60 days, is centered in the area of Suwannee County border by 76th Street (Mitchell Road) to the north, 161st Road to the East, 104th Street (District Line Road) to the south and 193rd Road to the west.
The health department warns that people and domesticated animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals, such as raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes, which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment.
Receiving appropriate treatment for those exposed will provide protection from the risk of rabies.
DOH-Suwannee suggests in order to prevent rabies exposure that people:
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 immediately for the animal and contact the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control at 386-208-0072;
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-Suwannee by calling 386-362-2708;
N Never adopt wild animals or bring them into one’s home; instead contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitation;
N Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from the neighborhood, whether it’s the City of Live Oak’s animal control or the county’s;
N Immunize your pets and livestock on a veterinarian’s recommended schedule; and
N Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools and other similar areas where they could come into contact with people or pets.