Results from the Florida State Lab have confirmed a raccoon that attacked a dog on Caloosa Boulevard near Bee Line High way in northwestern Palm Beach County was rabid.
In this instance, a tan and white, 65-pound dog named Champ was attacked and bitten. Animal Care and Control was notified and sent the deceased raccoon for testing. Champ sustained bites on the leg and was treated by a local veterinarian with a rabies booster shot and antibiotics.
Health officials said all citizens in Palm Beach Countyshould be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated. The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in this area. Animal Care and Control has placed informational flyers in the neighborhood where the bite took place.
The following advice is issued:
- 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 is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Animal Care & Control at 561-233-1200.
- Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood.
- Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or regularly vaccinated.
- 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.