The Walton County Health Department has been notified of 2 rabid raccoons near Highway 83 in DeFuniak Springs at the north end of Walton County. Individuals who have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal should contact the Walton County Health Department.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can be prevented but not cured. The virus is spread through saliva and can be passed to another animal or a person, usually through a bite. Infection may also occur if the saliva enters open wounds, the mouth, or eyes of another animal or person.

Animals with rabies may show strange behaviors- docile animals may appear aggressive and attack for no known reason, while wild animals may appear very tame. Rabid animals may not be able to eat, drink, or swallow. Drooling may occur due to this inability.

Please report abnormal behavior in animals to Animal Control. If an animal is suspected of having rabies, or has bitten or scratched a human, do not shoot the animal in the head. The animal’s brain must be maintained in good condition in order for the animal to be tested for rabies.

What should you do if an animal bites you? Seek care promptly after any animal bites you. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for five to ten minutes. Go to your family doctor or hospital for medical attention immediately.

All animal bites should also be reported to the Walton County Health Department at 892-8021.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer the following suggestions for preventing exposure to potentially rabid animals:
· Avoid direct contact with unfamiliar animals
· Enjoy wild animals (raccoons, skunks, foxes) from a distance. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
· Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health; call animal control for assistance.
· Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
· Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people and pets.
· Keep vaccinations up-to-date for all dogs, cats, and ferrets. This requirement is important not only to keep your pets from getting rabies, but also to provide a barrier of protection to you, if your animal is bitten by a rabid wild animal.

For more information, visit the DOH website at www.doh.state.fl.us or the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies.