Days after three people were bitten by a rabid fox in Bratt and someone encountered a rabid bat in Escambia County, Florida, officials say someone was exposed to a rabid bat near Flomaton.
On Wednesday, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) confirmed the rabies exposure near Flomaton.
“This should be a stark reminder that all pets should be properly vaccinated against rabies, given the circumstances of rabid animals now in the same general area,” said public health veterinarian Dr. Dee W. Jones. from Alabama.
Last Friday, the Florida Department of Health (DOH-Escambia) issued a rabies alert for Escambia County, Florida after three people were confirmed exposed to a rabid fox and one person been exposed to a rabid bat.
While the Escambia Health Department did not specify a location, NorthEscambia.com independently confirmed that three people were bitten by a rabid fox in Bratt, within the general area of Northview High School and Travis Nelson Park.
“Rabies is a potentially fatal disease. It is important not to handle wild animals, to be aware of animals with unusual behavior and to keep pets vaccinated against rabies,” said Marie Mott, DOH-Escambia Administrator.
Mott recommended the following precautions:
- Maintain up-to-date rabies vaccinations for all at-risk pets and livestock.
- Don’t let your pets run free. Follow leash laws in keeping pets and livestock safe on your property. If your pet or livestock is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Escambia County Animal Services at (850) 595-0097.
- Support animal control in efforts to reduce wild and stray animal populations.
- Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted animals that may not be properly cared for or regularly vaccinated.
- Do not unintentionally handle, feed or attract wildlife with outdoor food sources such as uncovered garbage or trash.
- Never adopt wild animals and never bring them into your home.
- Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they seem friendly.
- Prevent bats from entering dwellings or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools and other similar areas, where they may come into contact with people and pets.
- People who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to DOH-Escambia at (850) 595-6700.