Rabies advisory issued in Duval County after raccoon killed in Golden Glades neighborhood, Department of Health says

DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. – A rabid raccoon that was located in the Jacksonville area on Monday has prompted the state’s Department of Health in Duval County to issue a rabies advisory.

According to DOH-Duval, the raccoon was killed near Foxhaven Drive and everyone in the area should be aware that rabies may be present in the wild animal population.

RELATED: Glynn County Health Department alerts residents of rabies after bobcat attacks person in Jekyll Island

“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,” DOH-Duval said. “If you are exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect you from the risk of rabies.”

The report comes one day after Glynn County issued a rabies alert after a rabid bobcat attacked a woman in Jekyll Island.

The health agency also provided some precautions for residents to take 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 Animal Care and Protective Services at 904-630-CITY.
• 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-Duval by calling 904-253-1295.
• 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. Contact Animal Care and Protective Services at 904-630-CITY.
• 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