NORTH MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Florida health officials have issued a rabies alert in the North Miami Beach area for 60 days after a cat tested positive for the virus.
The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County received confirmation of an unvaccinated pet cat that tested positive for rabies. Officials said the cat had to be euthanized while in quarantine.
“It basically attacks the nervous system — so the brains, the nerves,” said Diane McCombie with the Biscayne Bay Animal Hospital. “The chances of survival are pretty low.”
Four human exposures were reported in the area. Health officials advised them to receive rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. The rabies alert will go on until Nov. 24.
This is the seventh confirmed rabid animal identified in Miami-Dade so far this year. An ongoing rabies alert is in effect for the Kendall area after several raccoons tested positive for rabies.
“It’s especially rare that we have now two different areas all of a sudden,” McCombie said. “It’s been a really long time since there’s been any kind of talk, especially in South Florida.”
The rabies alert is in effect for:
- Northeast 163rd Street, to the North
- Northeast 151 Street, to the South
- Biscayne Boulevard, to the East
- Northeast 14th Avenue, to the West
Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and can be fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans.
“Rabies is a deadly disease, like 100 percent lethal disease,” said Dr. Alvaro Mejia-Echeverry of the Florida Department of Health. “Basically, it’s important that the community knows that because other raccoons and other wildlife and domestic animals, even people, may have been exposed.”
With rabies there’s only one line of defense: getting your pets vaccinated every one to three years.
“I’m thankful that mine are vaccinated,” said pet owner Alex Harrison. “It’s one of those things you don’t hear about all that often anymore, but it’s a good reminder why it’s a good idea.”
The rabies warning signs to look for in your pet include foaming of the mouth, rage and not being able to walk straight.
If you believe your pet has been bitten by a wild animal, health officials advise you seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Miami-Dade Animal Services.
State health officials listed the following safety precautions residents should observe:
- Do not handle, feed or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter
- 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
- Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas
For further information, click here. You may also call the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County at 305-324-2400 or Animal Services at 311.
For a list of wildlife trappers, click here.
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