Press Release
DECEMBER 16th, 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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LOXAHATCHEE, FL-A
raccoon that attacked a dog
late Saturday near D Road
was confirmed positive for
rabies today. The dog, a
German Shepherd Mix, is
current on its rabies shots
and will be placed in a
45-day home quarantine for
observation. A 16 year old
female that came in contact
with the dog following the
attack is being administered
the rabies shots as a
precautionary measure. This
is the 39th 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 will distribute
literature warning of the
rabies hazard in the
immediate area surrounding
this incident.
The alert is the result of
39 rabid animal
confirmations, mostly
raccoons, this year. This
latest incident represents
the largest number of animal
rabies since 1953. A total
of 15 persons have come in
contact with these animals
and have had to take a
series of rabies shots as a
precaution.
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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