Rabies Alert Issued For Parts Of Davie After Cat Tests Positive
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The Florida Department of Health in Broward County has issued a rabies alert for parts of Davie.
Health officials said it was in response to a cat that tested positive this week.
Officials also said all residents and visitors in Broward County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated.
They said the alert is in effect for 60 days and includes the following county boundaries:
• Interstate 595 to the North
• State Road 823 to the West
• South Pine Island Road to the East
• Griffin Road to the South
Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans.
The only preventive measure for human exposure to rabies is rabies specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Rabies prophylaxis started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
• Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets and at-risk livestock.
• Do not allow your pets to run free. Follow leash laws by keeping pets and livestock secured on your property. If your pet or livestock are bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Animal Control Services for your jurisdiction.
• Support animal control in efforts to reduce feral and stray animal populations.
• Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or regularly vaccinated.
• Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with outdoor food sources such as uncovered trash or litter.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
• 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.
• Persons who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the DOH- Broward at 954-467-4700.
Click here for more information on rabies.
