PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — A raccoon has tested positive for rabies in a Palm Beach County community, health officials say.
According to the Florida Department of Health, Animal Care and Control picked up the animal on May 30 in the 1600 block of Feather Trail in suburban West Palm Beach.
🔽 MAP OF AFFECTED AREA 🔽
The raccoon came in contact with a dog, which will be quarantined for 45 days. At this point, it doesn't look like any humans were exposed to the disease, health officials say.
To protect you and your family from rabies:
- Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.
- Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Animal Care and Control at 561-233-1200.
- Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood.
- Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or regularly vaccinated.
- Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
- Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
- Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.
Residents in the area are urged to avoid wild animals and report any suspicious animals to Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control.
