Rabies reported in Palm City

PALM CITY, Fla. -- A horse that was scratched by a bobcast last week has tested positive for rabies.

The attack occurred on May 21 on Cherokee Street in Palm City.

Health officials say that this is the first case of rabies in Martin County this year.

Martin County reports that last year three animals tested positive for rabies, including a bobcat, a raccoon and a fox.
The horse will be placed in quarantine for six months.

The Health Department says that rabies is a virus that is transmitted from the bite or scratch of a rabid animal.

Any mammal can get rabies. The most common carriers of rabies are raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes and coyotes.

Domestic mammals can also get rabies.

Health officials say that cats are the most frequently reported rabid domestic animal in the United States