FDOH issues rabies alert for south-central Ormond Beach

Ormond Beach Observer
News

Ormond Beach pet owners should remain vigilant for the next 60 days, as the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County has issued a rabies alert affecting the south-central part of the city. The alert also impacts nearby areas of unincorporated Volusia County and a portion of northwestern Holly Hill.

FDOH said in a press release that a cat tested positive for rabies on Tuesday, March 17, and that the center of the alert is at Shady Oaks Mobile Home Park in Volusia County. The boundaries of the alert are:

East of Clyde Morris Boulevard
North of Golf Avenue
South of Granada Boulevard
West of Central Park

FDOH said that domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated. It has issued the following precautions:

Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.
Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals. If your pet was bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance immediately and call 248-1777.
Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood.
Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people and pets.
Persons who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to 274-0634.

Visit floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/rabies/index.html for more information.