Rabies Cases and Information in Florida
On Point Wildlife Removal
363 Halloran St SE, Palm Bay, FL 32909
(321) 423-2713
May people aren’t aware of just how real the threat of rabies can be. Furthermore, rabies is not a disease that is treatable one it has taken over. There are no cases of humans that have contracted rabies and survived. It’s important to protect both your family and pets from animals that can contract rabies. Tips to avoid contact are making sure your home is less favorable to nuisance wild animals, ensuring that no food is left out to attract them and also making sure your dogs and cats have all of the proper vaccinations. Rabies is the topic of this article but distemper and parvovirus are both diseases that can be contracted by wildlife as well.
Department of Health In Brevard County Issues Rabies Alert, Horse Tested Positive
This is in response to a horse that tested positive on Aug. 30. All residents and visitors in Brevard County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated. An animal with rabies could infect other wild or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and all wildlife contact should be avoided. 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. Souce
Very recently we have seen news circulating about the 6 year old florida boy that died due to touching a rabid bat. Although that story was heartbreaking it was not the only instance of this happening nor a rare instance. Many people that do not properly handle wildlife, especially bats and raccoons are susceptible to bites and scratches that can be life threatening if a disease is contracted. Read more on animal and wildlife diseases. We have multiple pages that solely inform on different diseases that are contracted by wildlife.
Person Bitten By Bat Dies
Health officials did not say when the bite happened but say the individual who was bitten did not seek treatment and did not receive a rabies shot afterward. The person died, officials say. “They’re a vector of rabies which means they can carrying it and not actually have it,” said an owner of a wildlife control company. He says his company averages about two calls a week for bat removal. Source
”If you’re seeing them around your house around the eves you should definitely call a professional and let them do an inspection you could have bats living in your soffits or attic,” he said. The health department wants to remind people to seek treatment if there has been any contact with a bat or if there is any exposure to rabies. “It is important to administer treatment in a timely manner,” officials say. Thanks to available treatments, only one to three people die a year in the US from rabies. Original Source
Brevard County has taken action, requiring all pet owners to make sure that their dogs and cats are up to date on their shots. This helps to stop the spread of animal related diseases and also keep pets and family safe of course. Below is information on different places to have your pets vaccinated in Brevard County Florida. There are 3 listed places for rabies vaccinations in Brevard County:
Brevard County requires all dogs and cats to be vaccinated and have attached animal license tags that must be renewed each year. Pet owners can be fined up to $120 for each animal that doesn’t have a rabies vaccination certificate and license tag. Cost for tags is $10 for spayed or neutered pets, $16 for unaltered dogs and cats, $10 for pets younger than 1; same fees apply to replacement tags. You can purchase or renew your animal license tag over the phone by calling 321-633-2024. Visa, MasterCard and Discover credit cards are accepted. Source
Tags also are available from:
Brevard Animal Services: 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Building A, Viera, FL 321-633-2024
North Animal Care Center: 2605 Flake Road, Titusville, FL 321-264-5119
South Animal Care Center: 5100 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Melbourne, FL 321-253-6608