Rabies Alert Issued in Florida Panhandle

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (AP) — Health officials in Panama City have issued an alert after seven wild animals have tested positive for rabies.

The rabies alert was issued Thursday and will be in effect for 60 days.

The Panama City News Herald reports the affected animals include feral cats, raccoons and a bat.

Bay County Health Department Administrator Doug Kent says rabies seems to be spreading rapidly. He urges residents to make sure their pets are vaccinated. He also says dogs and cats should be contained as much as possible to avoid encounters with rabid wild animals.

Kent says resident should call Bay County Animal Control if they see animals that are acting sluggish, aggressive or in any other unusual manner.

Source: Associated Press