Rabid racoon alert in downtown St. Augustine

Community Affairs Officer Barbara Clifford of the St. Augustine Police Department asked Historic City News local reporters to caution our readers in the Flagler Model Land Neighborhood (Saragossa Street area) concerning recent incidents with rabid raccoons.

Over the past week, Animal Control was called to the scenes of several calls for help where the animals were taken and tested for rabies. One of the tests came back positive for the virus the other test results have not come back yet — but are suspected to be positive.

One child has already been bitten by an infected raccoon and was treated at Flagler Hospital.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. The virus is secreted in saliva and is usually transmitted to people and animals by a bite from an infected animal. Once the rabies virus enters the body, it travels along the nerves to the brain.

Dogs, cats, raccoons, and other animals with rabies may show a variety of signs, including fearfulness, aggression, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, staggering, and seizures.

Police are asking for all the citizens to be aware of the incidents, to avoid raccoons and other wild animals and to be sure the family pet is up to date on their shots (including cats).

“Do not let your pets roam free,” Clifford told Historic City News. “Avoid leaving exposed garbage or pet food outside, as it may attract wild and stray animals.”

If you suspect your pet has been bitten by an infected animal or if you see an animal exhibiting signs of being infected, consult your veterinarian immediately and report the bite to animal control at (904) 209-0746.

If you or a family member is bitten by a rabid animal, wash the wound out with soap and water and go immediately to the hospital. It’s possible to prevent rabies if immunization is given within two days of the bite.

To date, no one in the United States has developed rabies when given the vaccine promptly and appropriately. Any questions or concerns call the police department or animal control.