DOH-BAY CONFIRMS RABID RACCOON NEAR STAR AVENUE AND YELLOW BLUFF ROAD

Panama City, Fla. – The Florida Department of Overall health in Bay County (DOH-Bay) urges residents to steer clear of contact with wild and stray animals to safeguard on their own from the risk of rabies publicity. This follows a verified circumstance of rabies in a raccoon that was killed in the location of Star Avenue and Yellow Bluff Street in Callaway. 

In Florida, raccoons, bats and foxes, and unvaccinated cats are the animals most routinely diagnosed with rabies. Other animals that are at large risk for rabies consist of skunks, otters, coyotes, bobcats, and stray or unvaccinated canine and ferrets. 

Rabies is transmitted via exposure to the saliva and anxious tissue from a rabid animal by way of a chunk, scratch, or call with mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, or mouth. DOH-Bay operates with Bay County Animal Providers and Lynn Haven Animal Control in responding to incidents of animal bites, exams animals for rabies by the Section of Health condition laboratory, and quarantines animals as vital. DOH-Bay also gives rabies vaccinations to victims of animal bites, the only recognized effective therapy for rabies avoidance in people. 

The following are steps you can get to protect you and your liked types against rabies: 

• Maintain rabies vaccinations up to date for all animals and at-danger livestock.
• Do not allow for your pets to run totally free. Follow leash legislation by keeping animals and livestock secured on your property. If your pet or livestock are bitten by a wild animal, search for veterinary support for the animal immediately and contact Bay County Animal Services at 767-3333 or in Lynn Haven, Lynn Haven Police at (850) 265-2112.Aid animal command in efforts to lessen feral and stray animal populations.
• Spay or neuter your pets to help cut down the variety of unwanted pets that may possibly not be correctly cared for or frequently vaccinated.
• Do not take care of, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with outdoor meals sources this kind of as uncovered trash or litter.
• Never adopt wild animals or carry them into your household.
• Teach young children hardly ever to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear welcoming.
• Protect against bats from entering living quarters or occupied areas in properties, churches, educational institutions, and other equivalent regions, exactly where they might appear in make contact with with people today and animals.
• People who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals ought to search for professional medical awareness and report the injuries to the DOH-Bay at (850) 872-4455. 

For even further facts on Rabies, go to the Florida Section of Health and fitness internet site at https://www.floridahealth.gov/illnesses-and-circumstances/rabies/index.html or contact DOH-Bay at 850-872-4455 or adhere to us on Twitter @FLHealthEmerald. 

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About the Florida Department of Overall health

The Division, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, performs to shield, promote, and improve the health and fitness of all people today in Florida through integrated state, county, and group attempts.

Comply with us on Twitter at @HealthyFla or @FLHealthEmerald and on Fb. For a lot more facts about the Florida Department of Health make sure you visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.