Florida officials report rabies in Miami-Dade County Quarter Horse
Officials with the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County (DOH-Miami-Dade) issued a rabies alert in Miami-Dade County in response to a confirmed case of rabies in a horse tested on March 26, 2025, in unincorporated Miami-Dade County off State Road 997 (Krome Ave).
This rabies alert is for 60 days and includes the following boundaries in Miami-Dade County:
Northern boundary: SW 128th
Southern boundary: SW 161st
Eastern boundary: SW 177th (Krome Ave.)
Western boundary: SW 197th
The unvaccinated 6-year-old quarter horse is deceased. This is Florida's 1st confirmed case of rabies in livestock for 2025.
DOH-Miami-Dade is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area. All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population.
Everything you want to know about rabies
People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals (e.g., raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, coyotes), which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment. If you are exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect you from the risk of rabies.
Rabies is a fatal central nervous system disease that can affect all warm-blooded mammals, including humans.
It is caused by the rabies virus, Lyssavirus, from the family Rhabdoviridae.
Although it is not common in horses, it is considered a differential diagnosis for any horse exhibiting acute neurologic symptoms due to its zoonotic potential (ability to infect humans).
Rabies is typically transmitted via contamination of a wound or mucous membrane with infectious saliva.
The most common route of infection in the horse is a bite wound from a wild carnivore or bat carrying the virus.
Reservoir hosts in the United States include, but are not limited to, skunks, raccoons, the red fox, dogs, cats and even other horses.
DOH-Miami-Dade recommends the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:
Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Miami-Dade Animal Services at 3-1-1.
Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other sources of food. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH-Miami-Dade by calling 305-470-5660.
Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Contact Miami-Dade Animal Services at 3-1-1 if you encounter any stray animals in your neighborhood that show signs of illness or disease.
Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.