Short-Haired Domestic Cat Tests Positive For Rabies In Plant City

PLANT CITY, FL --The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County is urging Plant City residents to be cautious after a domestic cat tested positive for rabies Thursday, Feb. 15.

Health department spokesman Kevin Watler said a rabies alert has been issued for the next 60 days in the area surrounding Holly Bluff Court where the cat was found.

The boundaries for the rabies alert are East Alexander Street to the north, James L. Redman Parkway to the east, Jap Tucker and Jim Johnson roads to the east East Sparkman Road to the south.

The positive rabies result for the black and white, short-haired cat is the first confirmed case of rabies in the county this year.

Hillsborough County residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population, and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated. The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness during the 60-day rabies alert.

All contact with wildlife 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.

If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center

at (813) 744-5660.

If you are bitten or scratched by a wild or strange domestic animal, you should seek medical attention and report the injury to the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County at (813) 307-8059,

Image via Pixabay: Photographer Maialisa

Health officials say a black and white domestic short-haired cat similar to the cat pictured tested positive for rabies.