Press Release
OCTOBER 21st, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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CONTACT: TIM O’CONNOR
PHONE:561-355-3576
FAX:561- 355-3038
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KAREN BUCHAN
ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL
561-233-1280
FAX:561-233-1234
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West
Palm Beach, FL—A gray
fox that attacked a man
golfing at the West Palm
Beach Country Club,
Saturday, was confirmed
positive for rabies today
making it the 32nd case of
2003. The man will be given
the rabies shot series as a
preventive measure. The
rabies alert area includes
all coastal regions with an
eastern boundary of the
Atlantic Ocean, and a
western boundary along US
441 from Boca Raton to
Lantana and west again to
Flying Cow Road where the
line goes north to Martin
County. Animal Care and
Control will distribute
literature warning of the
rabies hazard in the
immediate area surrounding
the golf course.
The alert is the result of
32 rabid animal
confirmations, mostly
raccoons, this year. This
latest incident represents
the largest number of animal
rabies since 1953. A total
of 14 persons have come in
contact with these animals
and have had to take a
series of rabies shots as a
precaution.
Animal Care and Control can
be reached at 561-233-1200
if abnormal raccoon or fox
behavior is observed. If a
person is bitten they should
report to the nearest
hospital for treatment and
call the Palm Beach County
Health Department at
561-840-4500.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can be prevented but
not cured. The virus attacks
the nerves and brain tissue
of warm-blooded animals
including people.
Domestic animals, dogs and
cats, over four months of
age are required to be
vaccinated against rabies
and wear a current rabies
license tag. Rabies shots
are also available through a
veterinarian or by calling
Animal Care and Control at
561 233-1272.
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