The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County has issued a rabies alert in Osceola County after a confirmed case was found in an unvaccinated cat in the east Kissimmee area.
The cat was euthanized in an area off Academy Circle on May 26 Tuesday, and the alert is for an area near U.S. Highway 192 and Florida's Turnpike for the next 60 days:
- South of Fortune Road
- North of Neptune Road
- West of La Terraza Lane in the Remington area
- East of Heritage Key Boulevard
The Department of Health reminds visitors and residents alike that people and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals (raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, coyotes), which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies.
If you think you are exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect you from the health risk. Here are other Health Department precautions to prevent rabies exposure:
• 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 Osceola Animal Services at 407-742-8000. Animal Services also removes stray animals from your neighborhood.
• 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-Osceola by calling 407-742-8606.
• 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.
