ORANGE PARK, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Clay County issued a 60-day rabies alert following a confirmed case of rabies in a raccoon killed on Sept. 29. The rabid animal was found near Kingsley Road in the Orange Park area.
The alert covers a specific section of Clay County bounded by Kingsley Ave. to the north, Doctors Lake Dr. to the southeast and Foxwood Rd. S to the west.
To prevent rabies exposure, public health officials advise pet and livestock owners to maintain updated immunizations based on veterinary recommendations.
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Domestic pets should remain under direct supervision and on a leash, while livestock should stay secured on private property.
If an animal bites a pet or livestock, owners should seek immediate veterinary assistance and report the incident to Town of Orange Park Animal Control at 904-269-6342.
Residents and visitors are urged to avoid all physical contact with wild or stray animals, including raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes.
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Do not feed, handle or unintentionally attract wildlife with outdoor pet food or open garbage containers.
Anyone bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal should seek medical attention immediately and report the injury to DOH-Clay at 904-529-2924.
The rabies alert will remain active across the specified boundaries for 60 days.
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