DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Duval County (DOH-Duval) issued a rabies alert Friday after the department said rabies was found in the coyote that was shot and killed in Atlantic Beach on Thursday.

Officials said the coyote is believed to be responsible for multiple attacks that occurred on people and a dog in Atlantic Beach.

DOH-Duval said it is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area where the coyote was killed, which happened in the area of Begonia Street and 6th Street. The rabies alert will last for 60 days, according to the department.

“All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population,” DOH-Duval said in a press release. “If you are exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect you from the risk of rabies.”

The rabies alert applies to the following “boundaries” in Duval County, according to DOH-Duval:

• Northern boundary: Modesky Park
• Southern boundary: Seagate Avenue
• Eastern boundary: Beach Avenue
• Western boundary: San Pablo Road North

DOH-Duval officials urge people take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:

• Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
• Keep your pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property. If an animal bites your livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) at 904-630-CITY.
• Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans or other sources of food. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention and report the inquiry to DOH-Duval by calling 904-253-1295.
• Call ACPS to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood.
• Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering your home, schools and similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.

For more information on rabies, click here or call DOH-Duval.