September 13, 2024

DOH-Lake Reminds Residents to Avoid Contact with Wild and Stray Animals

Contact:

Noelda Lopez, Public Information Specialist II

Noelda.Lopez@Flhealth.gov

Office: 352-589-6424, After Hours: 352-729-1754

Eustis, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Lake County (DOH-Lake) urge residents to avoid contact with wild and stray animals to prevent rabies exposure.

Remember these tips to protect yourself, family members, and pets:

• Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
• 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 Lake County Sheriff’s Office Animal Enforcement at 352-343-2101.
• 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-Lake by calling 352-707-6064.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead contact a licensedwildlife rehabilitator.
• Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Lake County Sheriff’s Office Animal Enforcement at 352-343-2101.
• 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-Lake at 352-253-6130.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Follow us on X at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, visit FloridaHealth.gov.