Santa Rosa County issues rabies alert

Pat O'Donnell
·2 min read

MILTON, Fla. (WKRG) — The Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County issued a rabies alert on Friday.

According to a news release, the alert came after health officials confirmed a case of rabies on Wednesday in a fox killed in the Chumuckla area off Byrom Campbell Road.

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“People and domestic animals should always 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 need for rabies post-exposure treatment,” the release said. “If you are exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect you from the risk of rabies.”

The rabies alert will be in effect for 60 days and includes these boundaries in Santa Rosa County, according to FDOH-Santa Rosa:

  • Northern boundary: County Road 182

  • Southern boundary: Rock Creek Road

  • Eastern boundary: Salter Road

  • Western boundary: Roy Cook Road

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The Department of Health issued these 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 Santa Rosa County Animal Services at 850-983-4680.

  • “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. If you have
    been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report
    the injury to DOH- Santa Rosa County by calling 850-983-5200.

  • “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 Santa Rosa County Animal Services at 850-983-4680.

  • “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, contact the Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County at 850-983-5200.

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