MARTIN COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Martin County on Sept. 30 issued a rabies alert after a confirmed case was found in a raccoon captured off South Kanner Highway on Sept. 27.

The health department is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area, according to the advisory.

This rabies alert is for 60 days and includes the following boundaries in Martin County:

• Southern boundary: Southeast Tressler Drive

• Eastern boundary: Southeast Federal Highway

• Western boundary: South Kanner Highway

Everyone should be aware that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population.

People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals (such as raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, coyotes), which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment. If anyone is exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect them from the risk of rabies.

Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:

• Immunize pets and livestock based on veterinarian’s recommended schedule.

• Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on the

property. If an animal bites a pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal

immediately and contact Martin County Animal Control at 772-463-3211.

• 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. Anyone bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal should seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH-Martin by calling 772-221-4030.

• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into homes; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

• Call the local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from the neighborhood. Call Martin County Animal Control at 772-463-3211.

• 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.

For more information on rabies, please visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Martin at 772-221-4030.