Urgent Alert: Palmetto Bay under a rabies alert - Please make sure you and your pets are protected

CLICK HERE to read Mayor Flinn's e-blast alert

ALERT: Palmetto Bay under a rabies alert Review the notification and take notice. Please make sure you and your pets are protected A rabies alert has been issued that covers Palmetto Bay.  Information is that a rabid otter bit a person and at least three other people were possibly exposed to the deadly disease in the area. Information is from the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade. This rabies alert covers these boundaries within Palmetto Bay: SW 144th Street to the North SW 184th Street to the South Biscayne Bay to the East US 1 to the West Here are some tips from the Department of Health to avoid exposure: 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 and contact Miami-Dade Animal Services at 3-1-1 if you have concerns. Call 3-1-1 to report any stray dogs in your neighborhood or private property. Owners can hire a nuisance wildlife trapper for removal of wildlife. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Miami-Dade Animal Services at 3-1-1. Do not handle, feed or unintentionally atrract wild animals with open garbage cans or littler. Do not leave food sources out for wildfire such as pet food or unsecured garbage. 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. "The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization," health officials cautioned. "Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease." For more information on rabies click here, call 305-324-2400 or call Miami-Dade County Animal Services at 3-1-1. I will keep you advised as will official Palmetto Bay Government and Miami-Dade County media. Your Mayor. Eugene Flinn