On the 3 January 2017 the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County issued a rabies alert for Venice and North Port, this alert will be in effect for at least 60 days. The rabies alert was issued following two bobcat (lynx) attacks, and a laboratory confirmed case of rabies in a bobcat.
All residents in the vicinity have been advised to remain aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and that domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated. The alert advised that it was issued with the intention of raising public awareness and that it should not give a false sense of security to areas that have not been named as under an alert.
Advise for Travellers
Travellers should be aware that rabies virus circulates in terrestrial animals in much of the USA, (e.g. raccoons, bats and skunks) and they should avoid contact with wildlife. All animal bites should be reported and carefully assessed; post-exposure treatment is accessible in the USA. Contact us at Global Health Travel Clinic for more advice about the rabies vaccine.