The Santa Rosa County Health Department is urging people to avoid contact with raccoons and other animals, after two residents had contact with animals that may have had rabies.

The residents have been advised to receive the rabies vaccine.

Rabies is a disease that affects the brain and can be fatal to humans and animals.

The health department advises residents to take the following precautions to avoid exposure to rabies:

-Avoid all contact with wild and unfamiliar domesticated animals.

-Do not place feeders in the yard. The food will attract raccoons, foxes and other animals.

-Bring in pet food at night, and secure trash cans with fasteners or place trash containers in the garage.

-Do not leave pets outside unsupervised and do not allow them to roam free.

-Cover bird feeders. Most squirrel-proof coverings also deter wild animals.

-Vaccinate pets against rabies and keep their vaccinations up-to-date. Follow your veterinarian's recommendation for revaccination.

-If bitten or scratched by a wild animal or stray domesticated animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water.

Seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to the Santa Rosa County Health Department at 983-5275 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or after hours call 418-5566.

For more information on rabies, call 983-5275.

If you see a suspicious animal in your yard or neighborhood, call 983-4680.

If a dead wild animal is on your property, call the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission's regional office at 265-3676 or the 24-hour law enforcement hot line at (888) 404-3922.