Rabies Alert Issued in Pasco

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County has issued a rabies alert for the New Port Richey Estates area.

The warning comes following exposure of three people to a cat that has tested positive for rabies, the agency wrote in an email to media.

“All residents and visitors in New Port Richey Estates area should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated,” the email stated. “The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active.”

The rabies alert will remain active for 60 days in the area bound by:

• U.S. 19 to the west
• Belleview Avenue to the south
• Bellview Avenue to the east
• Cotee River Drive to the north

The agency notes that residents outside boundary areas should also be mindful of the dangers of rabies.

Residents are warned that animals with rabies can infect domestic and wild animals that have not been vaccinated against the disease. This disease of the central nervous system is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans. The only treatment for humans is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization, which should start soon after exposure.

To prevent rabies, domestic animals should be vaccinated and people and pets should be kept away from wild animals.

Residents who have been exposed to animal bites or scratches are urged to contact Pasco County Animal Services at 727-834-3216, 813-929-1212 or 352-521-5194. Those who have concerns about wild animals are asked to contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-863-648-3203.

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