UPDATE

http://www.cljnews.com

from CLJNews.com

BRISTOL – A raccoon that climbed down a tree and into the fenced-in yard of a homeowner with several dogs Monday was later found to have rabies.

The Bristol homeowner noticed the raccoon as she was leaving to run an errand that morning. When she returned a short time later, one of the dogs ran up to greet her and was holding the dead raccoon in its mouth.

The Health Department was contacted and took the raccoon, had it tested and verified that it was infected with rabies.

Fortunately, the homeowner’s dogs had been given rabies vaccinations earlier. As a precaution, they were taken to a vet that afternoon for rabies booster shots.

Residents in the Bristol community along the Peddie Road and Charlie McDowell Road area urged to be cautious with any wild animals exhibiting unusual behavior.

Outdoor pets should get regular rabies vaccinations, either annually or with the three-year vaccine option, according to the staff at Quincy Animal Hospital. Veterinarians recommend pets get rabies booster shots after any encounter with a rabies-positive animal. Tractor Supply in Blountstown has a mobile vet clinic on site twice a month. The next scheduled visits will be on the following Sundays: April 21, May 5 and May 19 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Central Time.

Health Dept. issues

rabies alert for Bristol

BRISTOL, FL – The Florida Department of Health in Liberty County (DOH-Liberty) is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area. This is in response to a confirmed case of rabies in a raccoon that was killed in the south of the City of Bristol area off County Road 12 in Liberty County on April 15, 2024. All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies may be currently present in the wild animal population.

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. If you are exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect you from the risk of rabies.

This rabies alert is for 60 days and includes the City of Bristol extending out half a mile of city boundaries.

Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:

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 Liberty County Sheriff’s Department at 850-643-2235.
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-Liberty by calling 850-643-2415 extension 3.
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 Liberty County Sheriff’s Department at 850-643-2235.
Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
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 on rabies, please visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Liberty at 850-643-2415 extension 3.