How to keep pets safe from raccoons with rabies in Miami-Dade

A fourth and fifth rabinous raccoon was discovered in the Kendall area, the Florida Department of Health said Saturday.

Officials in Miami-Dade County advised it is the fifth confirmed rabid animal and fifth rabid raccoon identified in Miami-Dade for 2018.

“These two raccoons were found with neurological symptoms but with no known human exposure,” the department said in a statement. “The rabies alert will be extended for another 60 days.”

Below are the boundaries in which the racoons were located:

Southwest 152nd Street to the North

Southwest 187th Street to the South

Southwest 117th Avenue to the East

Southwest 137th Avenue to the West

Health officials say an animal with rabies could infect other wild or domestic animals, like dogs or cats, that have not been vaccinated against rabies.

“All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and all wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes,” leaders said in a statement.

Here’s how to keep your pet safe from rabies, a disease of the nervous system that can be fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans.

Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.

Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals.

If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Miami-Dade Animal Services at 3-1-1.

Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.

Related stories from Miami Herald

Do not leave food sources out for wildlife such as pet food or unsecured garbage.

Avoid contact with stray and feral animals.

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.

People who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County at 305-324-2400.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*