ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County is issuing a rabies alert after a confirmed case of rabies in a raccoon that was killed in the Fairgreen Crossings area off Southwest Imperial Street on Sunday.
WATCH BELOW: 'It bothers me considerably,' John Lavenka says
The department is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area and is advising all residents and visitors that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population.
People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals—including raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes—which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment.
The department said those who are exposed to rabies should receive appropriate treatment after exposure.
This rabies alert is for 60 days and includes the following boundaries in St. Lucie County:
- Northern boundary: S.W. Fair Isle Road
- Southern boundary: Tanforan Boulevard
- Eastern boundary: I-95
- Western boundary: S.W. Salvatierra Boulevard
Hundreds of homes are within the boundary, where health officials are warning neighbors to be cautious around any wild animals.
Suzanna Isoli lives within the alert boundary and spent the afternoon riding her bike. She told WPTV reporter Tyler Hatfield she isn’t too concerned, but she’s on alert of wildlife.
“We can watch it carefully,” said Isoli.
John Lavenka, who lives within the boundary, said he is worried for his pets.
“It bothers me considerably,” said Lavenka. “Because I do own two little dogs myself.”
Two little dogs, Lavenka said, he’ll have to keep a closer eye on.
“Stay with them, probably leash them up at night,” said Lavenka.
Lavenka said this is Florida and with more development, this might not be the last time.
“You're going to have that influx of, ‘Where are the animals going to go?’” said Lavenka. “If they do have rabies, they're getting it from somewhere.”
WATCH BELOW: Rabies alert issued for parts of St. Lucie County
The department of health advises individuals to take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:
- Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
- Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Port St. Lucie Animal Control at 772-871-5042.
- Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other sources of food. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County by calling 772-462-3883.
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
- Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Port St. Lucie Animal Control at 772-871-5042.
- Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.
For more information on rabies, please visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County at 772-462-3883.
