Rabies Case In Northdale Confirmed; Hillsborough Animal Services To Conduct Limited Trapping

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Posted on August 3, 2013 in News, Tips & Advice, Veterinary Services

URGENT ALERT!

Hillsborough County News
August 2, 2013
Contact: Willie Puz, Communications and Digital Media Services, 813-307-8379 (o); 813-546-2086 (c)
Based on communications with the state veterinarian from the Florida Department of Health today (Aug. 2) regarding a positive rabies case in the Sand Lake Court neighborhood, Hillsborough County Animal Services (HCAS) will begin limited trapping of cats this evening in the greater Northdale area in response to this specific public health concern. Any cats trapped will be quarantined. Efforts will be made to reunite any of these cats with their owner at the end of the quarantine period.

Until notified otherwise, cat owners in the Northdale area should keep their cats indoors.

On Friday, July 26, a possible rabies case was reported to Hillsborough County Animal Services. The animal (cat) was immediately contained and impounded for rabies testing at HCAS.

A positive rabies test was confirmed on Wednesday, July 31. The Florida Department of Health was notified immediately. That agency began notifying area residents with a Rabies Notification flyer.

While it is not HCAS policy to routinely set traps for free roaming cats in accordance with our existing practices, HCAS does pick up cats trapped or confined by residents. Residents can also bring trapped cats to the shelter at 400 N. Falkenburg Road between 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. every day.

The Florida Department of Health recommends:

  • Making sure that your pets are properly vaccinated for rabies. Florida law requires this. Contact us if you wish to schedule an appointment for your pet.
  • Staying away from all unknown animals to include domestic (dogs and cats) strays, farm livestock, and free roaming wildlife (raccoons, foxes, skunks, bats)
  • Keeping your pets on your property. Do not allow pets to roam free without supervision.
          
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