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 after two recent reports of the illness were confirmed. The agency notes one person was exposed as was a vaccinated dog.

The two incidents, which occurred within a week of each other, involved two different raccoons that both tested positive for rabies, the agency noted.

“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 agency wrote in an email to media. “The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active.”

The area included in the alert is bound by the Gulf of Mexico to the west, Gulf Trace Boulevard to the south, U.S. 19 to the east and Hammock/Ranch Road to the north.

Residents are asked to take these precautions:

• Keep all pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date
• Keep pets under direct supervision when outdoors to prevent encounters with wild animals
• Seek veterinary assistance immediately if a pet is bitten by a wild animal
• Do not handle, feed or attract wild animals with open garbage cans or trash
• Do not adopt or bring wild animals into a home
• Teach children to steer clear of wild and domestic animals that are unfamiliar, even if they seem friendly
• If a person is bitten by any animal, seek proper care including seeing a doctor or going to the hospital
• Report animal bites or scratches to Pasco County Animal Services at 727- 834-3216
• Call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-863-648-3203 for concerns about wild animals

To find out more about rabies, visit the Florida Department of Health online.