Rabies advisory issued for Brevard after raccoon tests positive

A raccoon found in Brevard County tested positive for rabies earlier this month, state health officials said. 

The masked creature was the fourth animal detected with rabies in Brevard this year, the Florida Department of Health in Brevard County said Thursday. July's positive test prompted an alert for residents to take precaution. 

Rabies is transmitted through exposure to the saliva and nervous tissue from a rabid animal through a bite, scratch, or other contact with fluid from its eyes, nose, or mouth. The disease can be fatal, health officials said. 

Two other raccoons and one bat were the animals that tested positive this year, health officials said. Skunks, otters, coyotes, bobcats, and stray or unvaccinated dogs and ferrets are also at high risk for contracting rabies, officials said.

The recommendations for avoiding rabies include: 
• keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets and at-risk livestock
• do not allow your pets to run free
• do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with outdoor food sources such as uncovered trash or litter
• teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly

Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the health department at 321-634-6337.

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Stancil is a breaking news reporter for FLORIDA TODAY and TCPalm.

Contact Stancil at 321-242-3662 or 321-987-7179

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