Health Department in Orange County issues rabies alert for Blanchard Park area

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Orange County has issued a rabies alert for the Blanchard Park area of Orange County

The alert is for 60 days and is in response to a raccoon that tested positive on October 21, 2023, according to a news release.

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The release also state: “There have been three positive wild raccoons confirmed within the last three months, with one exposure leading to the death of a domestic canine. The most recent positive animal exposed a domestic canine in an additional part of Orange County.”

The FDHOC was the public be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated and is encouraging pet owners to make sure their pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations.

The following is the Rabies Alert area (Map attached):

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Rabies activities can also occur outside the alert area, officials added.

The public should avoid contact with feral cats, stray dogs and all wildlife particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes.

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.

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FDHOC advises residents and visitors to take the following precautions:

· All pets and at-risk livestock should have current rabies immunizations.

· Secure outside garbage in covered containers to avoid attracting wild animals.

· Do not leave pet food outside.

· Avoid contact with all wildlife, especially feral cats, raccoons, bats, and foxes.

· If bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water, seek medical attention, and promptly report the incident to Orange County Animal Services 407-836-3111.

· Rabies is preventable when treatment is provided in a timely manner.

· Do not allow your pets to run free. Follow leash laws by keeping pets and livestock secured on your property. If your pet or livestock are bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Orange County Animal Services at 407-836-3111.

· Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with outdoor food sources such as uncovered trash or litter.

· Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.

· Teach children to never 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.

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