Parts Of Zephyrhills Under Rabies Alert; Dog Attacked By Raccoon

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — A rabies alert has been issued for the southwest region of Zephyrhills after a dog was attacked by a rabid raccoon.

According to the Pasco County Department of Health, the dog was attacked Thursday but recently had its rabies shot. It is now under observation to see if it presents with rabies symptoms.

Residents should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if they not vaccinated. The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness.

The recent rabies alert is for 60 days and includes the following area boundaries:

• North boundary - Eiland Boulevard
• West boundary - Coates Road/Dean Dairy Road
• South boundary - Tucker Road
• East boundary - 20th Street

All wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes.

Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans.The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.