Rabies alert issued for Kendall after raccoon tests positive

Alert is first issued in Miami-Dade for raccoon since 2001

KENDALL, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health has issued a rabies alert for the Kendall area.

The alert, which was issued after a raccoon tested positive for the disease on Tuesday, is for 60 days.

This is the first rabid animal to be confirmed with rabies this year, and the first rabid raccoon in Miami-Dade County since 2001.

The boundries of the area are as follows:

  • Southwest 88th Street to the North
  • Southwest 95th Street to the South
  • Southwest 107th Avenue to the East
  • Southwest 117th Avenue to the West

Rabies is a fatal disease which affects the nervous system of warm-blooded animals and humans. If a human is exposed to rabies, they are urged to seek immediate medical treatment.

"Residents should, of course, avoid contact with wildlife, and if they observe wildlife acting in an erratic manner, either with themselves or with their pets, they should certainly alert the Animal Services Department," Kathleen Labrada, of Miami-Dade Animal Services, said.

Animals infected with rabies could infect domesticated animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies.

Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.

  • Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Miami-Dade County Animal Services at 3-1-1.
  • Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood.
  • Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
  • 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, where they might come in contact with people and pets.
  • Persons who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County at 305-324-2400.