A rabies alert has been issued for residents who live near Citrus Park in Hillsborough County.
According to the Hillsborough County Health Department, two raccoons have tested positive for rabies in the area. One of the positive tests was reported in December, while the other was reported in January.
The alert is for ZIP code 33625. It includes the area inside the following boundaries:
- Gunn Hwy, North boundary
- Veterans Expressway, East boundary
- Gardner Road, South boundary
- Sheldon Road, West boundary
Officials said residents should be aware that rabies is active in this part of the county and that domestic animals are at risk if they are not vaccinated. Wild animals like raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes should particularly be avoided.
Rabies is an illness that, if left untreated, is fatal to humans and other mammals. People who have been exposed to rabies need to be treated as soon as possible to protect them from the disease.
The health department has issued the following advice:
- Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets
- If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact County Animal Services at 813-744-5660.
- Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood.
- Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals by leaving pet food outside, or garbage cans open.
- 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.
If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention and report the injury to the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County at 813-307-8059.
The alert will remain in effect for 60 days.