The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County has issued a rabies alert for parts of Southwest Miami-Dade after a horse tested positive for the virus. The infected horse was found near State Road 997 (Krome Avenue), according to the Department of Health-Miami-Dade. The alert will remain in effect for 60 days and highlights rabies concerns in the local wild animal population.
The impacted area is defined by Southwest 128th Street to the north, 161st Street to the south, 177th Avenue to the east, and 197th Avenue to the west. Health authorities advise the public to avoid wild animals like raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, and coyotes, which are most likely to transmit rabies. Pet owners are urged to vaccinate their pets, keep them controlled, and report any biting incidents.
Miami-Dade Animal Services is ready to assist with wildlife and stray animal issues, as per WSVN. Anyone bitten or scratched by a stray or wild animal should seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to health officials to help trace potential exposures.
Preventative measures include avoiding contact with wild or stray animals, securing food sources that could attract them, and fortifying homes to prevent wildlife entry, especially bats. Residents with rabies-related questions can contact Department of Health-Miami-Dade at 305-470-5660 or call Miami-Dade Animal Services at 311 for further assistance.
