DOH- Levy Issues Rabies Alert

Chiefland, Fla.—The Florida Department of Health in Levy County (DOH-Levy) is issuing a rabies alert in Levy County in response to a confirmed case of rabies in a fox that was killed on the south side of Chiefland off Southwest 3rd Street on Saturday, April 11. DOH-Levy is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area. All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population.

People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals (e.g., raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, coyotes), which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment. If you are exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect you from the risk of rabies.

This rabies alert is for 60 days and includes the following boundaries in Levy County:

• Northern boundary: State Rd. 27 and Young Blvd.
• Southern boundary: NW 5th Avenue and NW 86th St.
• Eastern boundary: NW 11th Avenue and NW 110th St.
• Western boundary: NW 60th Avenue and NW 14th St.

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 Levy County Animal Services at 352-486-5138 or DOH-Levy at 352-486-5300.
• 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 DOH-Levy by calling 352-486-5300.
• 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.
• 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 about rabies, contact DOH-Levy at 352-486-5300.