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For Release Wednesday,
3rd April, 2002 |
CONTACT: TIM O’CONNOR |
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PHONE:561-355-3576
FAX:561- 355-3038
DOROTHY DARVILLE, ANIMAL
CARE & CONTROL,
561-233-1215
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PALM BEACH
COUNTY—The sixth raccoon since February 1, 2002 tested positive for rabies today prompting Animal Care and Control and the Palm Beach County Health Department to advise residents from Palm Beach Gardens north to be on the lookout for and avoid contact with wild and stray animals.
Five of the six rabid animals found so far this year were from areas near or north of Donald Ross Rd and have included, Palm Beach Gardens, Juno Beach, Jupiter, and Jupiter Farms. The most recent case, the first with human contact, occurred Saturday, March 30 when a raccoon scratched a Juno Beach Resident, near Zephyr Street, and tested positive for rabies. The male will be given rabies shots as a precaution.
During 2001 there were 14 animals reported with rabies and only one in the first three months of that year as compared to six this year.
Rabies is an invariably fatal, acute viral disease that is preventable if adults and children follow basic precautions. Residents are reminded to not feed wildlife, stray cats or dogs and to discourage wild and stray animals by securing garbage cans and outdoor containers.
Domestic animals, dogs and cats, over four months of age are required to be vaccinated against rabies and wear a current rabies license tag. Shots can be obtained through a veterinarian or by calling Animal Care and Control at
(561) 233-1272.
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