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For Release Wednesday,
7th March, 2002 |
CONTACT: TIM O’CONNOR |
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PHONE:561-355-3576
FAX:561- 355-3038
DOROTHY DARVILLE, ANIMAL
CARE & CONTROL,
561-233-1215
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PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL—A fifth raccoon, since February 1, 2002, tested positive this week for rabies prompting the Palm Beach County Health Department and Animal Care and Control to advise county residents to avoid encounters with wildlife and stray animals.
“At this time, we have had no human contacts with these rabid raccoons. However, there have been 16 reported animal bites since the first of the year and we are cautioning all individuals to use good
judgment when handling or going near a non-vaccinated animal,” commented, Health Department Director, Dr. Jean Malecki.
The five cases have been fairly wide spread throughout the northern and western regions of the county. The first rabid raccoon was found February 4, near Donald Ross and I-95 in Palm Beach Gardens, the others were in North Jupiter, Jupiter Farms, North Palm Beach, and the most recent case, Western Lake Worth captured on March 3. During 2001 there were 14 animals reported with rabies and 90 individuals bitten by or exposed to a potentially rabid animal. By comparison, at the same time last year, these numbers were one rabid raccoon and 14 exposures.
Rabies is an invariably fatal, acute viral disease that is preventable if adults and children follow basic precautions. Residents are reminded not to feed wildlife, stray cats or dogs and to discourage wild and stray animals by securing garbage cans and outdoor containers.
Domestic animals, dogs and cats, over four months of age are required to be vaccinated against rabies and wear a current rabies license tag. Shots can be obtained through a veterinarian or by calling Animal Care and Control at
(561) 233-1272.
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