What to Know
- The Florida Department of Health announced the animal tested positive, adding the stray cat had been unvaccinated and was later euthanized.
- This is the eighth case of rabies that has been reported in Miami-Dade this year, including six raccoons in the Kendall area and a house cat
Officials confirmed that a second cat has tested positive for rabies in the North Miami Beach area – adding to an alarming trend of animals in Miami-Dade County to be diagnosed with the virus this year.
The Florida Department of Health announced on Tuesday that the animal tested positive, adding the stray cat had been unvaccinated and was later euthanized after being found by a Good Samaritan. That person is receiving treatment while a second person is being tested.
A 60-day rabies alert has been issued in the area where the animal was found – extending from NE 186th Street to Royal Glades Canal and from West Dixie Highway to NE 19th Avenue and running until December 14th. If another case is found, a new 60 day window will begin.
This is the eighth case of rabies that has been reported in Miami-Dade this year, including six raccoons in the Kendall area and a domestic cat in North Miami Beach.
"For so long we went without any cases being known and now this is the eighth case, it's very scary," said Laurie Hoffman, executive director for the Humane Society of Greater Miami.
Rabies is a potentially fatal disease and officials advise all pet owners to keep their animals vaccinated for the virus and away from wild animals. Anyone who has a pet that is bitten by a wild animal should contact their vet or Miami-Dade Animal Services while people who are bitten should contact the DOH in Miami-Dade at 305-324-2400.
