DAVIE, Fla. — Farmers in the Davie area are taking extra precautions to protect their animals after a recent state rabies alert.
The Florida Department of Health issued the alert after a raccoon killed off Interstate 595 Tuesday tested positive for the disease.
The 60-day alert covers the area bounded by I-595 to the north, Southwest 26th Street to the south, Southwest 112th Avenue to the east, and Southwest 148th Avenue to the west.
Rabies is deadly if left untreated, but post-exposure treatment is highly effective.
The virus is most often spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, like raccoons, bats, foxes, even stray dogs or cats.
Marie Lim, the president of HAPPI Farm at 10291 Orange Drive, which has animals ranging from emus and a llama to tortoises and goats, said she’s keeping an even closer eye on them.
“It would be dangerous,” Lim said. “I’m pretty sure of it.”
Tara Tarlowe, who was helping at the farm, said she’s working to prevent issues.
“Go check everything. Make sure the cages are tight. There’s no way to enter, you know,” she said. “And I mean, we just do the best we can.”
People who live and visit the area are urged to avoid contact with wild animals, to keep their own pets on leashes and up to date on rabies vaccinations.
Health officials are reminding the public not to bring in any stray or wild animals and to cover up their garbage cans to help keep them away.
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