Residents in Seminole County are on alert after a feral cat tested positive for rabies in the past week.
The alert is for neighborhoods in the area of Big Tree Park in Longwood. A feral cat tested positive for rabies. The cat recently had kittens, which may also be infected.
The county said it needs help finding the kittens. If you or someone you know was scratched or bitten by a feral cat, or you have seen kittens in the area recently, you are asked to call Seminole County Animal Services at 407-665-5201 or the Florida Dept. of Health in Seminole County at 407-665-3294.
The rabies alert is for 60 days. The county stresses that people living outside the alert area should not have a false sense of security and should also be on alert.
The county also offered the following advice:
- All pets should have current rabies immunizations.
- Secure outside garbage in covered containers to avoid attracting wild animals.
- Do not leave pet food outside. This also attracts other animals.
- Avoid contact with all wildlife, especially feral cats, raccoons, bats, and foxes.
- If bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water, seek medical attention, and promptly report the incident to Seminole County Animal Services.
- Rabies is preventable when treatment is provided in a timely manner.