Local

Rabies alert issued for Ocala area

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A rabies alert was issued for an area west of Ocala on Thursday.

The Marion County Health Department said a raccoon tested positive for rabies July 24.

The rabies alert is in effect for 60 days and includes the following boundaries in Marion County:
• Southwest 38th Street to the north
• Southwest 66th Street to the south
• Southwest 40th Avenue to the east
• Southwest 70th Avenue to the west

According to the Health Department, this is the second alert issued this month. The first was issued for an area north of Ocala and is still in effect.

Department officials warn that an animal with rabies can infect other wild or domestic animals that are not vaccinated against rabies. Rabies can be fatal to animals and humans.

For more information on rabies call the Department of Health in Marion County at 352-622-7744.