Bobcat that killed two pigs in Indiantown tests positive for rabies

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. - A bobcat that killed two pigs last week has tested positive for rabies, according to the Martin County Health Department.

The bobcat attacked several pigs July 7 at a ranch on Southwest Foxbrown Road. The pigs that survived the attack will be placed under quarantine for six months.

This is the second case of rabies in Martin County this year. Another bobcat tested positive for rabies in May after attacking a horse in Palm City.

A handful of rabies cases have been reported across the Treasure Coast. All of Indian River County remains in a rabies alert until August following five attacks on humans by rabid animals.

Rabies is a virus spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Any mammal, including humans and domestic animals, can get rabies.

The most common carriers of the virus are raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes and coyotes.

Health officials say the best way to prevent rabies is to make sure pets are vaccinated against the virus and to avoid live or dead wild animals.

If you see an animal acting strangely, call Martin County Animal Control at (772) 463-3211 (772) 463-3211

If you get bitten by an animal, wash the wound with soap and water for at least five minutes and seek medical attention.