Press Release
September 8th, 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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BOCA RATON,
FL-A Rabies Alert for coastal Palm Beach County has been extended until October 2, 2003 as three more animals, two foxes and a raccoon, captured in Boca Raton, tested positive for rabies today. These latest cases bring the total for 2003 to 25. 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.
The alert is the result of 25 rabid animal confirmations, mostly raccoons, this year. 2002 had a record 27 animal rabies cases. A total of 13 persons have come in contact with these animals and have had to take a series of rabies shots as a precaution.
Two of the cases were the result of persons identifying abnormal behavior in a fox and raccoon on September 3 and August 29 and reporting to Animal Care and Control for capture. The third case involved a man being bitten on the foot by a fox in the vicinity of NW 7th Street. The fox was captured and tested positive for rabies. The man is taking the rabies series of shots.
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.
Securing garbage cans and other containers around the house can also help eliminate food sources and reduce the risk of non-domestic animals being around humans.
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. Saturday, September 13, 2003, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Animal Care and Control is conducting a rabies clinic at a pavilion off Congress Avenue in John Prince Park, Lake Worth. Rabies vaccinations and tags will be $10 and a microchip identification tag can be obtained through the Save A Pet Foundation for $5 during the event. Rabies shots are also available through a veterinarian or by calling Animal Care and Control at 561 233-1272.
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