Rabies Advisory Issued In Sarasota County After Raccoon Tests Positive

SARASOTA, FL — The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County has issued a rabies advisory after a raccoon tested positive for rabies.

The raccoon was killed at the intersection of Grove Point Boulevard and Proctor Road on Tuesday, health officials said in a news release.

The department is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area.

"All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies may be currently present in the wild animal population,” the agency said.

People and domestic animals should avoid physical contact with wild animals, including raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes.

Those animals carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment. People are told to avoid handling, feeding or unintentionally attracting these animals with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans or other food sources.

Health officials urged residents to immunize pets and livestock based on a veterinarian’s recommended schedule.

Pet owners should also keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on their property.

If an animal bites a pet or livestock, residents should seek veterinary assistance immediately and contact Sarasota Animal Services at 941-861-9501, the department said.

Anyone bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal should seek medical attention and report the injury to the health department at 941-861-2873

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