Sarasota News Leader

09/28/12

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Sarasota News Leader September 28, 2012 assist injured animals and walk pets late at night," the release points out. During the past 12 months, 54 people were potentially exposed to rabies and received ra- bies post-exposure prophylaxis through the Sarasota County Health Department, the re- lease adds. "Rabies prevention starts with the animal owner," advises Tom Higginbotham, environ- mental health director for the Sarasota Coun- ty Health Department. "We recommend that people vaccinate dogs, cats, ferrets and any other animal that has regular contact with hu- mans, such as horses." The following are steps people can take to protect themselves and their loved ones against rabies: • Keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date for all pets. • Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come into contact with wild an- imals. If a wild animal bites your pet, seek veterinary assistance for the animal imme- diately and contact Sarasota County Animal Services at 941-861-9500. • Call Animal Services to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. • Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or regularly vaccinated. Page 63 • Do not handle, feed or unintentionally at- tract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter. • Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. • Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they ap- pear 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. Any animal found to be demonstrating odd or unexpected behavior should be reported to Sarasota County Animal Services at 941-861- 9500. People who are bitten or scratched by domestic or wild animals, as well as strays, should report the incident to their doctor immediately, as well as to Sarasota County Animal Services and their local health de- partment, the news release points out. The number to report an animal bite is 941-861- 6133. Additional information is available online at www.sarasotahealth.org and at www. worldrabiesday.org or by calling 941-861- 6133. facebook.com/SarasotaNewsLeader

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