Press Release
OCTOBER 30th, 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—An otter
was observed chasing people
on Palmdale Court in the
vicinity of Skees Road
between Okeechobee Boulevard
and Belvedere Road October
28th. Following capture, the
otter was observed bleeding
at the mouth, biting and
charging the cage, and was
missing hair on the left
side of its body. The otter
was confirmed positive for
rabies today. There was no
human exposure in this
incident.
The rabies alert area continues to include 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 this incident.
The alert is the result of 34 rabid animal confirmations,
mostly raccoons, this year. This latest incident represents the largest number of animal
rabies since 1953 and is
only the third time an otter
was confirmed. 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 animal 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.
Health Department Director, Jean M. Malecki, M.D. said, “
With the number of cases of
rabies continuing to rise
and with the coastal area on
(rabies) alert I would like
all people to be especially
careful when outside on
Halloween.”
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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