Rabies alert issued in Davie area of Broward County after raccoon tests positive

The Florida Department of Health in Broward County (DOH-Broward) has issued a 60-day rabies alert after a raccoon in the Davie area off I-595 tested positive for rabies on September 16. Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution, as rabies remains present in the local wild animal population.

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Rabies can be transmitted to humans and domestic animals through bites or scratches from infected wildlife.

Early symptoms in humans include fever, headache, and general weakness or discomfort, followed by anxiety, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, and paralysis.

Animals that pose a higher risk include raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes. Anyone exposed to rabies should seek immediate medical attention, as post-exposure treatment is highly effective in preventing infection.

The alert covers a section of Broward County with the following boundaries:

• North: Interstate 595

• South: Southwest 26th Street

• East: Southwest 112th Avenue

• West: Southwest 148th Avenue

DOH-Broward recommends the following precautions:

• Ensure pets and livestock are up to date on rabies vaccinations.

• Keep pets on a leash and livestock secured. If an animal is bitten by another animal, seek veterinary care and contact local Animal Control Services.

• Avoid contact with wild or stray animals, and do not feed or attract them with outdoor food or open garbage.

• Report bites or scratches from wild or domestic animals to DOH-Broward at 954-467-4700.

• Never bring wild animals into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

• Call your local animal control to remove stray animals and prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering homes or occupied spaces.

For more information, visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies.