PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — A raccoon has tested positive for rabies in Palm Beach County, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Health officials said a dog killed the raccoon on May 17 in the 7000 block of High Sierra Circle in suburban West Palm Beach. A lab test confirmed the rabies diagnosis in the raccoon.
The dog was vaccinated, received a booster shot, and is being quarantined for 45 days as a precaution.
The Florida Department of Health said the raccoon is the first confirmed rabid animal in Palm Beach County this year.
Doctors offer this advice to protect your family and pets:
- 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 and contact Animal Care & Control at (561) 233-1200.
- Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood.
- Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or regularly vaccinated.
- 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.
For more information about rabies, click here, or call the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County at (561) 840-4500.