A Rabies Alert has been issued for Indiantown, after a domestic dog tested positive,
According to the owner, the dog was not vaccinated and was kept outside. The dog became sick after being scratched or bitten by an unknown animal.
The Florida Department of Health in Martin County said in a news release that all residents and visitors in the area should should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated.
The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in Martin County.
This rabies alert will remain in effect for 60 days. It is the first confirmed case of rabies in an animal in Martin County this year.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
• Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.
• Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Martin County Animal Control at 772-463-3211.
• Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood.
• Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
• Teach children never to 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.
• Persons who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the Florida Department of Health in Martin County at 772-221-4000.
For further information on rabies, go to http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/rabies/index.html