A rabies alert has been issued in part of Hillsborough County after a raccoon tested positive for the disease.
Health officials say a dog was found fighting the raccoon on Friday night near Tannery Avenue. The dog killed the raccoon.
The exposed dog was vaccinated and seen by a veterinarian. The owner was also asked to quarantine the pet for 45 days.
As a precaution, the owner is also receiving rabies post-exposure treatment.
The rabies alert lasts for 60 days and includes these boundaries in the county:
North Boundary: County Line Road
West Boundary: Veterans Expressway
East Boundary: West of I-75
South Boundary: Kennedy Boulevard/US-60
The health department says it issued the rabies alert due to increased activity in northwest Hillsborough County. Officials say they want to maintain heightened awareness.
So far in 2018, Hillsborough County has identified two cats, one bat and one raccoon that have tested positive for rabies. Combined, the four animals have exposed 11 people and one pet dog.
Health officials do not believe the cases are related.
The county is asking residents to avoid contact with wildlife or unknown animals.
They also want to remind pet owners to make sure their pet’s rabies vaccinations are up to date. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, you should seek immediate veterinary care.
