Health officials issue rabies alert for Seminole County

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Health officials have issued a rabies alert in Seminole County for neighborhoods surrounding Oviedo.

The Florida Department of Health issued the alert in response to a feral cat that tested positive for rabies in the area.

Residents in the area near West Broadway Street bordered to the north by North Lake Jessup Avenue, to the east by County Road 419, to the south by West Mitchell Hammock Road and to the west by State Road 417 should avoid contact with feral cats and other wildlife, officials said.

Anyone who is bitten or scratched by a feral cat should contact Seminole County Animal Services at 407-665-5201 or the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County at 407-665-3266.

Health officials have issued the following advice:

• All pets should have current rabies immunizations.
• Secure outside garbage in covered containers to avoid attracting wild animals.
• Do not leave pet food outside. This also attracts other animals.
• 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 Seminole County Animal Services.
• Rabies is preventable when treatment is provided in a timely manner.

For more information on rabies, click here or here.

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