All residents and visitors in Hendry County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population...
Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.
Already have an account? Log in to continue. Otherwise, follow the link below to join.
Please log in to continue |
All residents and visitors in Hendry County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated. The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is found in any mammal such as raccoons, foxes, bats, otters, skunks, bobcats, and coyotes.
An animal with rabies could infect other wild or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and all wildlife contact should be avoided. Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm blooded animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure, will protect an exposed person from the disease.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
• 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 City of Clewiston Animal Control at 863-983-1474.
For further information on rabies, go to www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/rabies/index.html or call the Florida Department of Health in Hendry County at 863-302-6067, or local animal control at 863-983-1474.
The Department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/HealthyFla and on Facebook at facebook.com/FLDepartmentofHealth. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.