Residents in Ocala are being urged to be careful in light of two recent rabies alert issued by the Marion County Health Department.

The department issued  the first rabies alert in January. The second one was issued  March 9.

Both alerts were from raccoons testing positive for rabies. Both alerts are centered in a circle from Northeast Sixth Street to the north, Southwest 12th Avenue to the west, Southeast 24th Street to the south, and Southeast 18th Avenue to the east.

Health department officials say the area covers a densly-populated part of the city that includes a number of schols and churches.

Officials advise residents to not leave pet food outside and avoid contact wtih roaming domestic or wild animals.

The March 1 alert will end on April 30 unless another incident occurs within the alert area.

Residents should contact a local veterinarian for questions regarding the health of an animal.

For more information on rabies alerts, contact the department at (352) 629-0137.