OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A raccoon in Osceola County was euthanized after Florida Department of Health officials confirmed it had rabies.
Osceola health officials said they are monitoring wild animals in the Kissimmee area off South Orange Blossom Trail, where the raccoon was found on Feb. 14.
The alert will remain in effect for 60 days and includes the following boundaries in Osceola County:
- Northern boundary: Okaloosa Avenue
- Southern boundary: Wile Avenue
- Eastern boundary: To Avenue A
- Western boundary: To Old Tampa Highway
FDOH-Osceola warned residents and visitors to avoid physical contact with wild animals such as raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes and to keep domestic pets away from them, too.
Exposure to wild animals could cause humans to be treated for rabies after exposure, health department officials said. People who are exposed to rabies need treatment to protect them from the risk of rabies, according to FDOH-Osceola officials.
Health officials recommend the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:
- Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
- Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Osceola Animal Services at 407-742-8000.
- Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other sources of food. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH-Osceola by calling 407-742-8606.
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
- Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Osceola Animal Services at 407-742-8000.
- Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come into contact with people and pets.