Rabies Alert in Broward County, Davie Region on High Alert After Raccoon Tests Positive

Rabies is back on the map in Broward County, prompting a 60-day health alert after a local raccoon tested positive for the disease. The Florida Department of Health in Broward County is sounding the alarm and advising residents and visitors to take caution, particularly in the areas around the Davie region, near Interstate 595.

The raccoon in question met its demise in Davie and set off this latest health scare. The affected zone, according to Local 10, spans from I-595 in the north to Southwest 26th Street in the south, linked by Southwest 112th Avenue to the east and, Southwest 148th Avenue to the west. The health officials have urged people to avoid wild animals and keep those pet vaccines up to date.

The Department of Health is urging the public to avoid adopting or bringing wild animals into their homes and to keep trash securely covered, warning that uncovered garbage can attract raccoons. Health officials, as reported by 7News, also advise pet owners to supervise their pets outdoors and avoid leaving food out that could draw unwanted wildlife.

Local ranch owner Robert Peña, in conversation with 7News, is taking the threat seriously, “We’ll definitely be vigilant, and I’ll be sure to check around and make sure we’re keeping up on our precautions,” he said. Peña, who owns a menagerie including horses, goats, and a chicken, emphasized the need for diligent food storage and robust trash containment to mitigate risks, “You need, like, a steet trash can, You need something that they can’t bite through easily,” and he added, the importance of eliminating potential hiding spots for the critters.

The DOH-Broward is urging residents to report any encounters with suspicious animals or animal bites by calling 954-467-4700, noting that rabies is fatal if left untreated but can be prevented with prompt care. Officials emphasize the importance of vigilance to help stop the spread of rabies in the community.