Press Release
DECEMBER 15th, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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CONTACT: TIM O’CONNOR
PHONE:561-355-3576
FAX:561- 355-3038
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KAREN BUCHAN
ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL
561-233-1280
FAX:561-233-1234
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LANTANA, FL-A fox that
attacked a dog late Thursday
in the vicinity of South
71st Lane was confirmed
positive for rabies today.
The dog, a bullmastiff,
killed the fox but, had to
be euthanized due to
non-compliance with its
rabies shots. There was no
human exposure. This is the
38th rabid animal this year
and extends the rabies alert
into mid January 2004.
The rabies alert area continues to include all coastal
regions with an eastern
boundary of the Atlantic
Ocean, and a western
boundary along US 441 from
Boca Raton to Lantana and
west again to Flying Cow
Road where the line goes
north to Martin County.
Animal Care and Control has
distributed literature
warning of the rabies hazard
in the immediate area
surrounding this incident.
The alert is the result of 38 rabid animal confirmations,
mostly raccoons, this year.
This latest incident
represents the largest
number of animal rabies
since 1953. A total of 14
persons have come in contact
with these animals and have
had to take a series of
rabies shots as a
precaution.
Case 37 was reported late Friday December 12 when a second
raccoon captured in Seminole
Palms Park tested rabies
positive. No other animal or
human exposures were
reported.
Animal Care and Control can be reached at 561-233-1200 if
abnormal animal behavior is
observed. If a person is
bitten they should report to
the nearest hospital for
treatment and call the Palm
Beach County Health
Department at 561-840-4500.
Rabies is a deadly viral
disease that can be
prevented but not cured. The
virus attacks the nerves and
brain tissue of warm-blooded
animals including people.
Domestic animals, dogs and cats, over four months of age are
required to be vaccinated
against rabies and wear a
current rabies license tag.
Rabies shots are also
available through a
veterinarian or by calling
Animal Care and Control at
561 233-1272.
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