INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Three unprovoked raccoon attacks on humans over the last couple of days and a confirmed case of rabies in a cat has led to the Health Department expanding its rabies alert area to most of Indian River County.The alert now runs West from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River and north of State Road 60 to State Road 510. The area already under alert extends from West of U.S. 1 to 58th Avenue and North of Oslo Road to State Road 60. The health department is advising residents to avoid wild or stray animals and be especially aware of wild animals behaving abnormally and attempting to interact with or attack pets, stumbling or acting disoriented.”Be aware of wildlife around you and avoid contact with wild animals. It is unusual for wild animals to attack humans. So, if you are attacked by a wild animal, report the bite or scratch to animal control and seek medical attention,” said Cheryl Dunn, county Environmental Manager.If you run across an animal you suspect to be rabid call Indian River County Animal Control at 772-226-3485, ext. 1446 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and dial 911 on weekends and after hours. Suspected animals in Vero Beach should be reported to the police department at 978-4600.
