CLAY COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Clay County has issued a rabies alert in Clay County in response to a confirmed case of rabies in a raccoon that was killed in the Town of Orange Park area off Kingsley Road on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

DOH-Clay is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area. All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population.

People and domestic animals should avoid physical contact with wild animals (e.g., raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, coyotes), which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a require rabies post-exposure treatment. If you are exposed to rabies, receiving

appropriate treatment after exposure will reduce your risk of rabies.

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

• Northern boundary: Kingsley Avenue North

• South-East boundary: Doctors Lake Drive

• Western boundary: Foxwood Road South

Take the following 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 the Town of Orange Park Animal Control at (904) 269-6342, option 3.

• Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other food sources. If a wild or domestic animal bites or scratches you, seek medical attention and report the injury to DOH-Clay by calling (904) 529-2924.

• 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 Town of Orange Park Animal Control at (904) 269-6342, option 3.