Residents alert after otter and raccoon tested positive for rabies

ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County has issued a rabies warning for parts of the St. Lucie County area.

The warning comes after a raccoon and an otter tested positive in unrelated cases on Tuesday.

The center of the first rabies alert is Cypress Street in the River Park area of ​​St. Lucie County and includes the following boundaries:

• North to Brazilian Circle
• South to Dyer Road
• East to the intersection of Prima Vista Boulevard and Tilton Road
• West to the St. Lucie River

The center of the second rabies alert is in rural St. Lucie County, within the following boundaries:

• North to the C-24 Channel
• South to the western bend of the German Canal Road
• East to Carlton Road
• West to the end of the German Canal Road

Rick Kampff and his son Kai spent the evening walking their dogs. On Friday, they learned that a raccoon from their River Park neighborhood tested positive for rabies.

“I just hope that everyone gets their dogs or cats vaccinated and that they are safe,” Kampff said.

They are in a community with many animals, both domestic and wild.

“A lot of cats more than anything, but everything else – especially dogs,” Kampff said.

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Donald Dobbs lives in the same neighborhood.

“I had to get a raccoon out of the pool,” he said. “Actually one of them came into the pool and grabbed one of my dogs.”

The Department of Health says an otter with rabies has also been found in rural St. Lucie County.

Clint Sperber, administrator of the Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County, explained, “The same day in the other part of the county – the northern part – we heard of an otter that was also attacking an animal and we were able to get the otter and have him tested.”

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Sperber said it’s the first time he’s seen two animals test positive in unrelated cases.

“If you have a pet, make sure it’s vaccinated against rabies, keep it on a leash, don’t feed wild animals, and you’ll be fine,” Sperber said.

The warning will remain in effect for the next 60 days. However, the Ministry of Health urges people not to let their guard down.

Pet owners in River Park said they plan to keep a close eye on their furry friends.

“I don’t worry, but I spend time watching the dogs when I walk them,” Dobbs said.

“Be aware, that is our foundation,” Kampff said.

Rabies warnings are in effect for 60 days from the date of the incident.

The health department said all pets should be vaccinated against rabies and such Contact with wild animals should be avoided, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes.

The department also advises residents that rabies activities can also take place outside the warning area.

Take the following precautions to avoid exposure to rabies:

• Immunize your pets and livestock according to the schedule recommended by your veterinarian.

• Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock confined to your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek immediate veterinary attention for the animal and contact the St. Lucie County Animal Safety, Services & Protection Division at 772-462-8120.

• Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not unintentionally handle, feed, or attract them with outdoor pet food, open trash cans, or other food sources. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention and report the injury to DOH-St. Lucie by calling 772-462-3883.

• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; Instead, contact a certified wildlife rehabilitation organization.

• Call your local animal control organization to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact the St. Lucie County Animal Safety, Services and Protection Department at 772-462-8120.

• Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living spaces or occupied spaces in homes, schools and other similar areas where they may come into contact with people and pets.

Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans, according to the health department.

The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immunoglobulin and rabies immunization, the Ministry of Health said.

For more information please visit FloridaHealth.gov/rabiesor contact the Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County at (772) 462-3883.