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Rabid Raccoon

By Escambia County Health Department

Florida Health Department is warning people in Cantonment about a rabid raccoon that may have come in contact with their pets. Rabid Raccoon

Published: Fri, April 04, 2008 - 4:34 pm Last Updated: Thu, September 04, 2008 - 5:37 pm

PENSACOLA, FL -- The Escambia County Health Department was notified of one rabid raccoon in the Cantonment area near the intersection of West Ten Mile Road and Stefani Road. The rabid raccoon may have interacted with other domestic animals that are either kept or allowed to go outdoors (dogs, cats or horses). Subdivisions that should watch their domestic animals for signs of wild animal bites or rabies exposure are:

Brook Hollow
Brook-Hollow Acres
Sharon Park

If your animal has signs of animal bites and/or symptoms of rabies they should be seen by their veterinarian immediately.

Rabies is fatal to humans and pets. It can be transmitted even through a minor scratch from a wild animal or an unvaccinated domestic animal that was exposed. Residents are reminded not to interact with raccoons or any wild animals that may carry rabies such as bats and foxes. It is vital that residents get their animals, including horses, vaccinated against rabies and keep the vaccinations current.

What does a rabid animal look like?
+ Animals with rabies may show strange behavior – they can be aggressive, attacking for no apparent reason – while others, especially wild animals, may act very tame
+ The animal may not be able to eat, drink, or swallow. They may drool because they cannot swallow their saliva. They may stagger or become paralyzed. Eventually they will die.
+ Raccoons, in particular, may carry rabies without showing the normal signs of the disease.

To Avoid Rabies from Raccoons and Wild Animals
+ The best way to avoid exposure to rabies is to avoid contact with raccoons and wild animals.
+ Keep raccoons out of the house and yard – do not place raccoon feeders in the yard.
+ Protect pets by vaccinating them for rabies.

To Keep Raccoons and Wild Animals Off Your Property
+ Eliminate artificial feeding sources - bring in pet food at night, secure trash cans with
fasteners or enclose them in lockable bins.
+ Make sure bird feeders are not accessible to raccoons; most squirrel-proof coverings also deter raccoons.

About Rabies
Rabies is a disease that affects the central nervous system. The rabies virus is carried in the saliva of infected animals and is usually transmitted to people and other animals when they are bitten or scratched by the rabid animal. Rabies is fatal to humans and most animals.

If a Dead Raccoon is On Your Property
Contact the regional office of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission at
(850) 265-3676 or their 24-Hour law enforcement at (850) 245-7710.