PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. -- Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control has expanded its search area for possibly rabid animals after confirmation yesterday that a rabid raccoon may have been handled by a veterinarian.
The search area has been expanded to an area south of Lake Worth Road and west of Jog Road.
Florida Department of Health Laboratory confirmed Tuesday that a raccoon that fought with a dog near Gun Club Road and Haverhill Road tested positive for rabies.
Animal Care and Control is expanding its investigation after discovering that the raccoon was initially captured by a Lake Worth veterinarian. Officials say a dog at the clinic was exposed to the raccoon and will need to be quarantined a minimum of 45 days at its home and possibly longer pending an evaluation.
Department of Health in Palm Beach County is furthering their investigation into possible human exposure among workers at the veterinarian hospital.
Health officials say this is the fifth confirmed rabid animal this year in the county.
Residents in the area of Gun Club and Haverhill roads and south of Lake Worth and west of Jog Roads should take the necessary precautions to avoid contact with any wild animals.
For more information on rabies, click here.
