Rabies Alert Issued in Westside Area of Duval County, Florida
Rabies Alert Boundaries and Duration
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Duval County (DOH-Duval) has issued a rabies alert for the Westside area of Duval County. This alert will be in effect until August 1. Pet owners and residents in the affected area are advised to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their animals.
The rabies alert area is bordered on the north by HWY 134, on the south by Sandler Road, on the east by the Old Middleburg Road S, and on the west by HWY 23/First Coast Expressway.
Precautions to Prevent Rabies Exposure
According to the health department, pet owners should ensure the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:
- 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 your pet or livestock is bitten by an animal, seek immediate veterinary assistance and contact Animal Care and Protective Services at (904) 630-CITY (2489).
- Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other food sources. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention immediately and report the injury to DOH-Duval by calling (904) 253-1280. Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
- Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Animal Care and Protective Services at (904) 630-CITY (2489). Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and similar areas where they may come in contact with people and pets.
Further Information
For more information on rabies, please visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Duval at (904) 253-1280.
About the Source: This information has been obtained from reliable sources, and all rights are reserved by the Florida Department of Health in Duval County. For any copyright-related inquiries, please contact the respective authorities.
