JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Duval County's second rabies alert of the year has been issued for the Mandarin area. The alert is in effect through Oct. 25.

The rabies alert area is bordered on the south by Julington Creek at the Duval-St. Johns county line, on the north by Loretto Road at San Jose Boulevard, on the west by Orange Picker Road at Mandarin Road, and on the east by Julington Creek Road at Aladdin Road.

The alert follows the discovery of a rabid bat in the Mandarin area of Jacksonville. Health officials said there was human exposure.

As a precaution, pet owners should maintain control of their pets at all times and be certain that each has received current rabies immunization shots from a licensed veterinarian.

Stray animals should be reported to the city of Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services at 904-630-2489. For further information or to report animal bites, contact Rabies Control at 904-253-1280.