Press Release
SEPTEMBER 12th, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
CONTACT: TIM O’CONNOR
PHONE:561-355-3576
FAX:561- 355-3038
|
|
KAREN BUCHAN
ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL
561-233-1280
FAX:561-233-1234
|
LOXAHATCHEE, FL—The 27th
rabid animal, a raccoon, was
confirmed positive today.
This latest case occurred
near Okeechobee Boulevard
and Seminole Pratt Whitney
Road and had no human
exposure. 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 27 rabid animal confirmations,
mostly raccoons, this year.
This latest incident ties
the record set in 2002. 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.
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.
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 for $5 during the
event. Rabies shots are also
available through a
veterinarian or by calling
Animal Care and Control at
561 233-1272.
<<
Back to Press
|
