In general, coyotes appear "sleeker" than domesticated dogs, with a flatter forehead and a more pointed snout. Like birds of prey, coyotes help to control the population of rodents in the City.īack to top What is the difference between a coyote and a dog?Ĭoyotes are canines, which means that they are genetically related to wolves and domesticated dogs. You may see and hear coyotes more during mating season (January - March) and when the young are dispersing from family groups (October - January).Ĭoyotes eat what is prevalent and easy to find, shifting their diet to what is seasonally or locally available, including rodents, birds, vegetation, and insects. They may be observed during the day, but are generally more active after sunset and at night. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.What is the difference between a coyote and a dog?Ĭoyotes are not strictly nocturnal. The only treatment for rabies exposure to humans is rabies specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm blooded animals and humans. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and all wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes. Contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 86 for concerns about wild animals.Īn animal with rabies could infect other wild animals or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies.Contact PCAS at 72, 81 or 35 to report animal bites or scratches and for information on stray dogs and cats.Go to your family doctor or hospital for medical attention immediately. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. If you are bitten by any animal seek care promptly.Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people and pets.A rabid animal may not appear sick but may still transmit the virus.Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals by leaving pet food outside, or garbage cans open.If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately. Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.Rabies Preventionįlorida Department of Health in Pasco County urges everyone to be safe by observing the following advice: To report a bite or exposure incident, please complete the Animal Bite/Rabies Exposure Incident Report Form (PDF 96 KB) and fax it to Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS) at 81 or to the Epidemiology Program at 35.įor any questions or concerns, please call PCAS at 81 or call DOH-Pasco at 35, option 4. State and local regulations require that all animal bites, scratches and rabies exposure incidents be reported to the local animal control or health department within a 24-hour period. Wild animals such as raccoons, foxes, bats, etc., are not recommended for quarantine. The animal will be observed by a veterinarian or animal control officer at the end of the quarantine period to make sure it is healthy. Works closely with local animal control officers to investigate reported bites and to address issues involving stray, feral or wild animals.Īnimals involved in a bite or scratch will be placed on 10-day quarantine.Educates the public about not feeding wild animals, approaching wildlife or picking up injured animals.Obtains pertinent health and vaccination information on the biting animal and verify that the required quarantine is administered.Responds to reported animal bites and potential rabies exposures.The DOH-Pasco Rabies Prevention Program conducts the following activities designed to minimize human exposure to the disease: The disease can spread to people and unvaccinated pets when the saliva from an infected or rabid animal enters the body through a bite or a scratch, or through contact with the eyes, nose or mouth. It is commonly associated with wild animals such as raccoons, bats, skunks, coyotes and foxes. Rabies is a preventable disease that can affect animals and humans and can result in death if left untreated. The DOH-Pasco Rabies Prevention Program serves to protect the public from the threat of rabies.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |