Announcements

Rabies Alert Issuedfor Seminole County

The Florida
Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) is issuing a rabies
alert in response to a racoon that tested positive for rabies near Sunrise
Community Park in Winter Springs. Residents within the borders of Tuskawilla
Road, State Road 417, Winter Springs Boulevard and Red Bug Lake Road should
avoid contact with racoons and other wildlife. If you, a family member or someone
you know has been in contact with a raccoon in the mentioned area please
contact Seminole County Animal Services at (407) 665-5201 or the Florida
Department of Health in Seminole County at (407) 665-3266.

Residents and
visitors in Seminole County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild
animal population, and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated. Alerts
are designed to increase awareness to the public. Please be aware that rabies
activities can also occur outside the alert area. This rabies alert is for 60
days.

An animal with
rabies could infect other wild animals or domestic animals that have not been
vaccinated against rabies. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against
rabies. Contact to feral cats, stray dogs and all wildlife particularly
raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes should be avoided.

The followingadvice is issued:

• All pets should
have current rabies immunizations.

• Secure outsidegarbage in covered containers to avoid attracting wild animals.

• Do not leave pet
food outside. This also attracts other animals.

• Avoid contactwith all wildlife, especially feral cats, raccoons, bats, and foxes.

• If bitten or
scratched by a suspected rabid animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and
water, seek medical attention, and promptly report the incident to Seminole
County Animal Services.

• Rabies is
preventable when treatment is provided in a timely manner.

For general
questions pertaining to animals, contact Seminole County Animal Control. Rabies
is a disease of the nervous system that can cause paralysis and is fatal to
warm blooded animals and humans. The virus is spread through saliva, and humans
may become infected through a bite wound, scratch or exposure of a fresh cut to
saliva of a rabid animal. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is
rabies specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment
started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the
disease.

For moreinformation on rabies, visit the DOH website at http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/rabies/index.htmlor the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies.

To view a RabiesPrevention Tips educational video please visit https://youtu.be/t39LoYhJg48 .

Thank you
The Greenbriar Board of Directors