Press Release
MONTH 27th, 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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Delray Beach, FL—A raccoon attacked by a dog Friday,
October 24 near SW 10th
Avenue was confirmed
positive for rabies today
bringing the total rabid
animal cases this year to
33. There was no human
exposure in this incident
and the dog’s shots are
current. The rabies alert
area includes 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 the golf course.
The alert is the result of 33 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.
Animal Care and Control can be reached at 561-233-1200 if
abnormal raccoon or fox
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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