Rabid cat prompts rabies alert for Westside of Jacksonville all summer long

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Duval County (DOH-Duval) has issued a rabies alert for the Westside following the discovery of a rabid cat. It will be in effect through August.

The area is "bordered on the north by HWY 134, on the south by Sandler Road, on the east by the Old Middleburg Road S, and west by HWY 23/First Coast Expressway."

The DOH-Duval is reminding pet owners to "always maintain control of their pets and be certain that each has received current rabies immunization shots from a licensed veterinarian. " 

Anyone exposed to rabies should receive appropriate treatment to protect themselves from the risk of rabies. 

For more information on rabies, you can visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Duval at (904) 253-1280.

The DOH recommends the following rabies safety tips:

• Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian's recommended schedule.
• Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Animal Care and Protective Services at (904) 630-CITY (2489).
• Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other sources of food. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH-Duval by calling (904) 253-1280.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
• Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Animal Care and Protective Services at (904) 630-CITY (2489).
• Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.