One situation is community concerned: A rabies alert was issued by the Florida Department of Health in Broward County for a portion of Fort Lauderdale. This is in response to a feral cat that tested positive on Decenber 27, 2022.
It is important to note that all Broward County residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is present in wild animal populations and that domestic animals are at risk if they are not vaccinated.
Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans.
Please note that rabies can occur outside the warning area.
This alert will be in effect for 60 days and includes the following boundaries in Broward County:
- Sunrise Boulevard North
- West Central River
- Middle River to the East
- and Middle River Drive South
An animal with rabies can infect domestic animals that have not been vaccinated. For this reason there is only one call: All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and avoid all contact with wildlife, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, otters, bobcats and coyotes.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
- Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets and livestock at risk.
- Don’t let your pet run loose.
- Follow leash laws and keep pets and livestock on your property safe.
- If your pet or livestock has been bitten by a wild animal, seek immediate veterinary attention for the animal and contact animal control services.
- Do not handle, feed or inadvertently attract wild animals from outside food sources.
- Never adopt or bring wild animals into your home.
Another suggestion from the Department of Health is to teach children never to touch unknown animals, wild or domestic, even if they seem friendly. Now, people who have been bitten or scratched by animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to (954) 467-4700.
For further information on rabies, go to http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/rabies/index.html
