Rabid Raccoons Attack Dogs

Two raccoons that attacked dogs in West Palm Beach and Jupiter Farms last week have been confirmed positive for rabies, and a third raccoon that attacked a dog near A1A in Tequesta is presumed rabid. There were 16 confirmed rabid animals in the county in 2013.

“These raccoons did not bite or expose any people. However, in each case, the raccoon was very aggressive toward the dogs and luckily did not turn on the pet’s owners. Everyone in the county should be aware that we have rabies in our wild animal population and contact should be avoided,” said Dr. Alina Alonso of the Palm Beach County Department of Health.

The dogs had all been vaccinated against rabies and are being placed in home quarantine for 45 days. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies, and all wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes.

Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.

The department offers the following rabies protection advice:

• Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.

• Keep pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals. Seek veterinary assistance immediately if a pet is bitten by a wild animal and contact Animal Care & Control at (561) 233-1200.

• Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or regularly vaccinated.

• Do not handle, feed or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.

• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.

• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.

• Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces.

For further information, call the Palm Beach County Department of Health at (561) 840-4500.

Rabid Raccoons Attack Dogs
Two raccoons that attacked dogs in West Palm Beach and Jupiter Farms last week have been confirmed positive for rabies, and a third raccoon that attacked a dog near A1A in Tequesta is presumed rabid. There were 16 confirmed rabid animals in the county in 2013.

“These raccoons did not bite or expose any people. However, in each case, the raccoon was very aggressive toward the dogs and luckily did not turn on the pet’s owners. Everyone in the county should be aware that we have rabies in our wild animal population and contact should be avoided,” said Dr. Alina Alonso of the Palm Beach County Department of Health.

The dogs had all been vaccinated against rabies and are being placed in home quarantine for 45 days. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies, and all wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes.

Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.

The department offers the following rabies protection advice:

• Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.

• Keep pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals. Seek veterinary assistance immediately if a pet is bitten by a wild animal and contact Animal Care & Control at (561) 233-1200.

• Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or regularly vaccinated.

• Do not handle, feed or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.

• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.

• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.

• Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces.

For further information, call the Palm Beach County Department of Health at (561) 840-4500.