HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) has issued a rabies alert for the Lake Magdalene area after a cat tested positive for rabies.
The cat, which was killed on October 3rd, resided in the Lake Magdalene area off Bearss Road. DOH-Hillsborough is monitoring rabies in wild animals in the area and warns that rabies is present in the local wildlife population.
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Rabies Alert Boundaries:
The 60-day rabies alert encompasses the following area in Hillsborough County:
- North: Lake Magdalene Blvd
- South: Lakewood Ave/Cherrywood Ave
- East: North Blvd
- West: Lake Magdalene Blvd
Prevention Tips:
- Vaccinate your pets: Ensure your pets and livestock are vaccinated against rabies according to your veterinarian’s recommendations.
- Supervise your pets: Keep pets on a leash and under direct supervision when outdoors. Secure livestock on your property.
- Avoid wild animals: Do not handle, feed, or attract wild animals.
- Report bites and scratches: Seek medical attention for any animal bite or scratch and report the injury to DOH-Hillsborough at (813) 307-8010 or (850) 245-4401.
- Do not adopt wild animals: Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
- Remove stray animals: Contact Hillsborough County Animal Services at (813) 744-5660 to remove stray animals from your neighborhood.
- Prevent wildlife entry: Take steps to prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering your home or other occupied spaces.
For more information about rabies, visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Hillsborough at (813) 307-8010 or (850) 245-4401.
Protecting Yourself and Your Pets:
Residents and visitors are urged to avoid contact with wild animals such as raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes. These animals carry a higher risk of rabies transmission.
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