Showing posts with label florida. Show all posts
Showing posts with label florida. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

What's New At VCA Hollywood!

Surgical Services Are Expanding – Meet Dr. Patrick Flynn, DACVS-SA

We’re thrilled to introduce Dr. Patrick Flynn, DACVS-SA, who will be joining our team in June 11, 2025. With his arrival, our surgical service will be available six days a week, giving patients and referring DVMs greater access to advanced care.

Dr. Flynn brings a decade worth of orthopedic and soft tissue surgery experience to Broward county. He will have a strong focus on increasing access to arthroscopic and fluoroscopic procedures, complex fracture repair, oncologic surgery, and soft tissue reconstruction surgery following trauma or tumor removal.

We’re very excited to have his expertise and passion join our specialty team.



Coming Soon: Dr. Jaymie Zweig

We’re also excited to share that Jaymie Zweig, DVM will be joining our surgical service this September, following the completion of her residency at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists. We look forward to welcoming her and sharing more about her background soon!




Heard the Buzz About Hi Flo O₂?

You may have heard the term high-flow oxygen therapy floating around lately—pun intended. This advanced respiratory support system allows us to deliver warm, humidified oxygen at higher flow rates, making it easier for patients in respiratory distress to breathe without the stress of more invasive methods. It is especially beneficial for conditions like pneumonia, pulmonary contusions, or upper airway obstruction—and it’s available right here at VCA Hollywood. Think of it as an oxygen upgrade, giving our critical patients more comfort and more support, faster.


VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital-  24/7/365 Emergency & Specialized Care. 


Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Meet Dr. Diez!!

Meet Dr. Adrienne Newball Diez
Staff Veterinarian DVM

Member of Broward County Veterinary Medical Association

Adrienne Newball Diez, a Puerto Rican native, knew at a very young age that her love and respect for animals would lead her to become "an animal doctor". Raised by a single mother in a home that values honesty, empathy, perseverance, responsibility and humility, she credits the support of her family as the key to reaching her goal of becoming a veterinarian.

Her passion for veterinary medicine solidified during a hands on experience with farm animals while earning her bachelor's degree in biology at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts and finalized her goal with a clinical year at Oklahoma State University.

With a strong interest in ophthalmology, dermatology and oncology, her long-term hope is to further her training through the pursuit of a residency. While at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital Dr. Diez remains focused on building connections with our pet community and providing exceptional care to her patients.

When not in her white coat, Dr. Diez enjoys traveling, reading sci-fi fantasy novels and spending time with her family and three spoiled fur siblings.

Education: Ross University, 2024, DVM

Meet Dr. Regenbaum!!


Meet Dr. Tayla Regenbaum
Staff Veterinarian DVM


Member of the Broward County Veterinary Medical Association


Born and raised in sunny South Florida, Tayla Regenbaum was surrounded by a variety of pets during her upbringing and developed a deep passion for animals that drove her passion to become a veterinarian. After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, she went on to complete her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Louisiana State University. Dr. Regenbaum now joins VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital, eager to gain experience and ultimately pursue a residency in veterinary neurology and neurosurgery.

Perfectly suited for a South Florida lifestyle, in her free time, Dr. Regenbaum can be found soaking up the sun at the beach, boating, or doing anything outdoors like hiking, golfing, or playing tennis. She also loves to cook, to travel the world, and to spend time with family. Dr. Regenbaum is also an advocate for conservation medicine and environmental sustainability. As she strives to integrate sustainable practices into her personal and professional life, we are excited to benefit from her innovation.

Education: Louisiana State University 2024, DVM

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Meet Dr. Ramirez

 


Kevin Ramirez

Staff VeterinarianDVM

Member of the Broward County Veterinary Medical Association

Dr. Kevin Ramirez was born and raised on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. He obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University, after completing his clinical year at the University of Florida. With a specialized focus in Emergency Medicine and Soft Tissue Surgery, Dr. Ramirez is dedicated to providing exceptional care to every patient he encounters.

Fluent in both Spanish and English, Dr. Ramirez prioritizes clear communication with clients, fostering a deeper connection and understanding throughout their pet's treatment journey. He values diversity and aims to ensure that every client feels heard and supported.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Ramirez is an avid adventurer. Whether he is exploring the depths of the ocean through scuba diving, traversing picturesque hiking trails or enjoying the simple pleasures of soaking up the sun on our sandy beaches, he is always seeking a new adventure.

With his rich cultural background and unwavering commitment to veterinary medicine, Dr. Ramirez brings a unique perspective and top-tier care to his practice, ensuring the well-being of every animal under his care.

Education: Ross University, 2023, DVM

Meet Dr. Alvarado


 Paloma Alvarado

Staff VeterinarianDVM

Member of the Broward County Veterinary Medical Association

Dr. Paloma Alvarado is a native of Southern California. Originally, from the vibrant community of Orange County, she began her academic journey by earning a bachelor's degree in Zoology from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. There, she developed a strong interest in the natural world and animal sciences and driven by this passion she pursued her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Ross University. Completing her clinical year at our esteemed University of Florida, she has found a happy home on the east coast, and joins us with a diverse skill set and a solid foundation in veterinary practice.

Outside of the office, Dr. Alvarado shows a particular love for cooking and discovering new cuisines, often sharing her culinary adventures through food reviews. Additionally, she is a self-proclaimed comic book nerd and enjoys immersing herself in the world of comic books and sci-fi culture by attending conventions as a dedicated Star Trek fan.

Dr. Alvarado's multifaceted interests and unwavering dedication to veterinary medicine, embodies a holistic approach to life and she is excited to continue her journey with our South Florida pet community.

Education: Ross University, 2023, DVM

Thursday, January 11, 2024

Did you know? Genetic Testing can help your pet better fight cancer!


Did you know...
DNA Genetic Testing is used to help pets with cancer!

Let’s delve into DNA genetic analysis! What exactly is it?

Genetic testing, also referred to as DNA testing, involves the use of technology or DNA sequencing to identify abnormal changes in genes, chromosomes or proteins. These changes, termed mutations or variants, often contribute to the formation and progression of cancer. DNA genetic testing is routinely used in human medicine and is anticipated to become a standard in veterinary oncology.

How can DNA genetic testing help my pet with cancer?

When DNA mutations or variants are identified through genetic testing, chemotherapy drugs that specifically target the identified mutations can be recommended as treatment for your pet’s cancer. Although DNA genetic testing is not perfect and may not always yield results, it can often help you and your veterinary oncologist make informed treatment decisions and can provide additional insights into prognosis for your pet. This precision allows veterinary oncologists to use precise and targeted chemotherapy to treat cancer, which decreases the risk of chemotherapy side effects.

DNA genetic testing can be especially helpful in challenging cases in which treatment options are limited. Ultimately, our goal is to extend your pet’s survival time past what is expected with conventional chemotherapy. By specifically targeting the mutations identified in your pet’s cancer, many times, targeted chemotherapy and conventional chemotherapy can be safely combined.

What samples are necessary for DNA genetic analysis?
Samples required for DNA genetic testing are typically obtained non-invasively. Depending on the specific test, blood, fine needle aspirates, or biopsy samples are necessary.

Is DNA genetic testing available for both dogs and cats?
Unfortunately, DNA genetic testing is exclusively available for dogs. However, there is hope that it will soon become accessible for cats.

My dog has been diagnosed with cancer. Is DNA genetic testing the next step?
Maybe! Not all cancers are treated equally, and chemotherapy is not always the chosen course of action. Sometimes, surgery alone might suffice for treating your pet’s cancer.

It is the goal of our Oncology Service is to help you explore the best treatment options for your pet and ensure treatment is focused on improving their quality of life. Learn more about our VCA Pet CancerCare Center and how our experts are here to care for your pet.




Dr. Irene Vazquez is a gifted and dedicated veterinarian who leads our Onolcogy department with a primary focus on improving quality of life for every pet that is diagnosed with cancer.
To schedule an appointment and to learn more about Dr. Vazquez, visit our website and watch this video.

Watch Video   



Advanced Cancer Care for the World's Most
Important Pet: Yours

At VCA, it is our goal to help treat your pet’s cancer, giving you and your pet more quality time together. At our VCA Pet CancerCare Centers, our oncology teams design individualized treatment plans for each patient using the most advanced and effective treatments available—much like those used in human medicine.

Learn about the VCA Pet CancerCare difference and watch the stories of pets we've helped after a cancer diagnosis.



Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Blister packaging is SECURE CLEAR & CONVENIENT


When we were asked for a more convenient way for our clients to manage their pet's medications- our pharmacy created a system that ensures more accurate tracking of medications administered by 
  1. reduces errors at home
  2. eliminates the hassle of opening traditional medication vial
  3. makes the time to re-order, easy to see
We now offer blister packaging. 

Our blister packaging involves securely packaging individual tablets and capsules in clearly labeled compartments within a specially designed card providing an even more convenient solution for your medication needs. This service is available upon request and is particularly beneficial for clients who face challenges in opening medication vials or maintaining a consistent medication schedule.


We are very excited to continue to offer tools to help our humans better care for their pets.

There is more.....
Want one more way to stay
up-to-date on your pet's care?

Download our myVCA App and have your veterinary care right on your phone. Learn more and download the app now!

Or text us and we will send you a link that takes you right to your myVCA App page.


Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Making Specialty Pet Care Accessible.

 

Our specialists are making even more time available to care for pets.

The veterinary industry has seen its share of strained this year as general practitioners and emergency care facilities see a high volumes of urgent care cases on top of their typical case loads.

Specialty medicine has seen this same influx as well which is why our innovative team at VCA Hollywood created a wait-list tool to ensure our specialty patients recieved access to available appointment as soon as possible. Now, our oncology service has added more consultation times to make oncology care even more accessible to pets in need.


The goal of our Pet Cancer Care team is to ensure pets enjoy the very best quality of life. With the support and collaboration of the entire VCA Hollywood doctors and staff, they also have the best team possible to care for pet.

Learn more about Dr. Vazquez, DAVIM (Oncology) and the PetCancer Care Team 

Stay up-to-day on all of the great success stories we have had the privilege to share!

Thursday, July 6, 2023

VCA Hollywood's Hotshots- Meet Michelle!

VCA Hollywood's Hotshots- Meet Michelle!

VCA Hollywood has a loads of hotshots!  We love to highlight our team whenever possible.

This month's special highlight is Michelle. 

Michelle has been with VCA since 2017 but with VCA Hollywood just 9 months and we are all so grateful she chose us!

Michelle joins us as a part of our Pharmacy Team who's location at the (literal) center of our practice though really mirrors their role in our ability to provide exceptional patient care.   Our pharmacy provides care for all of our client Whether GP or Specialty, whether on preventative or chronic medication they serve our in and outpatients even filling all of the medications for our hospitalized patients- not to mention our online pharmacy. 

It is a lot and Michelle has made the team whole. 

Get to know more about Michelle:

Background: Native Floridian who (Miami Gardens) but spent the last 15 years in CA.  

I love cats & small dogs especially, but have affection for most animals in general. I currently have 3 Shepherds and 5 cats.   

3. What is one thing you’re learning now or learned recently? 

“Taking care of yourself” is a lot harder than it sounds. It’s an active process (and you don’t suddenly “have it together” by 30 yrs. old) 

4.  What is one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit? 

Better posture (so my back will stop yelling at me) 

5.  If you could trade places with anyone for the day, who would you choose and why? 

Younger me (5 years younger than now) I think it’d be interesting to see younger me deal with today’s me with my responsibilities, vice versa (lol).



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VCA Hollywood's Hotshots- Meet Cristina!

VCA Hollywood has a loads of hotshots!  We love to highlight our team whenever possible.

This month's special highlight is Cristina.

Cristina is a bright light and happy presence in the our practice. She and Dr. Melanie Hnot, our veterinary dermatologist, go together like peanut butter and jelly and have a team that truly enjoys all that they do.

Cristina recently graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science (what an amazing accomplishment) and is working to continue her education on a path to becoming a veterinarian. 

Cristina also recently married the man of her dreams. Life is good. In the busy life she leads, she made the time to answer some fun questions for us.

Get to know Cristina:

1.    Your name/Position/Years working here
Cristina- Veterinary Technician-Dermatology
2.     What is an easy item on your bucket list that you haven’t done yet?
Go to Europe! Or Africa!
3.    Does your current car have a name? What is it?
Yes! Tiffany
4.    What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Treat others the way you wish to be treated”
5.    What song or album could you listen to on repeat?
Taylor Swift- Album “Midnights”
6.    What simple/everyday food do you refuse to eat?
YOGURT!! 
7.    What current fact about your life would most impress your five your old self?
I am currently applying to the vet school of my dreams and married to an amazing man
8.    What piece of advice would you share with your younger self?
Keep working towards your dreams, never give up despite how hard it is.

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Free Style Libre Recall


We recently received a recall notification for the FreeStyle Libre/FreeStyle Libre 2 Reader and notified owners that have purchased these products for their pet.

This recall does not affect any of the FreeStyle Libre family of sensors.

If you or someone you know has purchased these Readers, the FDA recommends you:

Stop using the FreeStyle Libre Reader and switch to a backup method ONLY if you experience any of the following:The Reader appears to be damaged or cracked

  • The Reader appears to be damaged or crackedThere is visible swelling of the Reader
  • The Reader gets too hot to hold
  • The Reader is no longer able to hold a charge (for example, if it turns off unexpectedly or immediately after charging)
  • You do not have the Abbott-provided USB cable and power adapter (charger)
If you have the Abbott-provided USB cable and power adapter AND you are not experiencing the problems listed below, you can continue to use the Abbott-provided Reader, USB cable, and power adapter.

If the Reader is damaged or a replacement USB cable or power adapter (charger) is needed, call Abbott's Customer Service at 1-855-632-8658 to request a replacement.

Complete recall information from the FDA is available here.

Friday, March 10, 2023

Free Eye Exams for Service Animals

 VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital (VCA Hollywood) and Animal Eye Guys (AEG) of South Florida will once again partner to offer the ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam program.  

Now in its 14th year, this program offers free eye exams for pre-registered service animals during the month of May. VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital and Animal Eye Guys will host a one day event exclusively for these sight saving exams.

What:
Guardians and handlers of all qualified service animals are invited to VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital for a free eye exam provided by Dr. Robert Swinger, D.V.M., Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist and his team at Animal Eye Guys of South Florida.

When: Local Event date: May 21, 2023

Where: VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital

Pre-Registration is required

Register April 1- 30th  online at http://www.acvo.org/

Who:
Active working animals such as guide dogs, handicapped assistance animals, detection dogs, therapy animals, and search and rescue dogs that have been certified by a formal training program or organization or are currently enrolled in a formal training program. The certifying organization could be national, regional or local in nature. 

How:
Pre-Registration for these exam begins-   April 1st -April 30th at www.ACVOeyeexam.org

Once registered, call  754-732-1792  with the registration number to schedule your appointment in May.

Since the program launched in 2008, nearly 16,000 service animals have been examined.  In addition to dogs, other service animals including horses and even a service donkey named Henry have received free sight saving exams.  

A sampling of groups served since the ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam Event launched in 2008 include: Transportation Security Agency (TSA) and military working dogs from Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, Puppies Behind Bars, an organization providing psychiatric service dogs to soldiers coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan, local fire, rescue and police agencies, and also individual service animal owners and handlers who rely on these amazing animals daily.  

The event is primarily sponsored by ACVO.  Other non-profit supporters include the American Veterinary Medical Association, most state veterinary medical associations in the U.S. and Canada, American Society of Veterinary Medical Association Executives, and other national service animal organizations.  

About VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital
VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital has earned a solid reputation for offering the very best in veterinary medicine as well as the latest technological advances and therapies. Founded in 1947,VCA HAH features 21 veterinarians and more than 100 highly trained technical and support staff members. For more information, please visit http://www.VCAhollywood or call 954.920.3556. 

About Animal Eye Guys
Animal Eye Guys has proudly served the Hollywood FL area for everything pet related. There clinic is run by Dr. Robert Swinger, who is a licensed, experienced Hollywood veterinarian and Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist. Their team is committed to educating clients in how to keep their pets healthy year round, with good nutrition and exercise. Animal Eye Guys stays on top of the latest advances in veterinarian technology and above all, remembers that all animals and pets need to be treated with loving care in every check-up, procedure, or surgery. https://animaleyeguys.com/

About the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® is an approved veterinary specialty organization of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties, and is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Its mission is “to advance the quality of veterinary medicine through certification of veterinarians who demonstrate excellence as specialists in veterinary ophthalmology.” To become board certified, a candidate must complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, a one year internship, a three year approved residency and pass a series of credentials and examinations. http://www.acvo.org/

Friday, February 10, 2023

Purina Elemental Recall-NESTLÉ PURINA PETCARE COMPANY VOLUNTARILY RECALLS

PURINA PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS EL ELEMENTAL DRY DOG FOOD DUE TO POTENTIAL ELEVATED VITAMIN D

ST LOUIS – FEBRUARY 8, 2023

Nestlé Purina PetCare Company has voluntarily recalled select lots of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental (PPVD EL) prescription dry dog food due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs; however, ingestion of elevated levels can lead to potential health issues depending on the level of vitamin D and the length of exposure. These issues may include vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, and excessive drooling to renal (kidney) dysfunction.

Purina is taking this action after being contacted about two separate confirmed cases of a dog exhibiting signs of vitamin D toxicity after consuming the diet. Once taken off the diet, each of these dogs recovered.
















The affected dry dog food was distributed by prescription only through veterinary clinics, Purina Vet Direct, Purina for Professionals, and other select retailers with the ability to validate a prescription. Bags of PPVD EL with the UPC Code and Production Code below should be immediately discarded. No other Purina products are affected.

Pet owners who purchased bags of the product listed above are asked to immediately stop feeding and dispose of the food. If signs such as weight loss, excessive drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite or increased thirst or urination have occurred in their dog while eating this diet, pet owners should contact their veterinarian.

Purina has asked their veterinarians and other retail partners to remove and destroy the affected product from their inventory.

We apologize to pet owners and veterinarians for any concerns or inconvenience this situation has caused. As pet experts and pet owners ourselves, the health and well-being of pets is our top priority.

Please contact the Purina team directly at 1-800-345-5678 or via email at https://www.purina.com/contactus for assistance in getting a refund or alternative diet recommendation.

Thursday, March 31, 2022

Simple steps to protect your pet.

What happened and what you need to know!

Today, news about CIRDC- Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex began populating in the local media alerting dog owners to this highly contagious virus spreading throughout South Florida.

As your partner in pet care, we want to ensure you know the facts about CIRDC and exactly what to do to ensure your pups are protected.

What is CIRDC?
CIRDC is a disease caused by exposure to multiple viruses and bacteria which infect the respiratory tract of dogs and can cause severe upper respiratory infections like pneumonia, sometimes referred to as "kennel cough."

What can you do? You can protect your pet by ensuring they are up-to-date on their routine vaccines, especially

  1. Bordetella vaccine ("Kennel Cough vaccine")
  2. K9 Influenza H3N8/H3N2 vaccine (CIV vaccine)
  3. Also, this is a good time for dog distancing. Avoiding nose-to-nose meet-ups like at dogs parks and pet events will keep your pet safer.

Need your pet's vaccine status?

To check your pup's vaccine status log onto our myVCA App. Don't have the app, download it here!

Download myVCA App

Need to update your pet's vaccines?


Contact us to set up a Vaccine Clinic Appointment. Vaccine clinic appointments apply only to Bordetella and CIV vaccine services and are provided outside of the regular schedule of appointments. Therefore, you and your pet get in and out faster!


Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Prescription Diet Services


Over the last year, COVID-19 has impacted the availability of products across many industries. Pet food companies have been among those effected by production limitations and we have all felt that same impact as we stock our shelves. Simply, pet owners are finding their favorite pet food harder to find than usual.

As a practice, our specialty diet recommendations are scripted to clients of our emergency and specialty departments along with the sale of an initial transition dose, upon discharge. While in the past we have enjoyed a surplus of food and been happy to accommodate supplemental supply as needed to these clients  we too are being effected by the industries limitations.

Therefore, we will continue to provide food supply to clients of our general care practice first but will be unable to fill food prescriptions for clients of our emergency and specialty services. These clients will be directed to fill the script with their primary veterinarian or other outside pet food supply companies.

As manufacturers and vendors work together to correct the course of this limited stock, we look forward to being able to accommodate service to more clients however, getting the marketplace back to normal will take some time.

While we will continue to update you on the progress of food availabilty, further assistance may be available through your pet's food manufacturer.

HILLS – Website: hillspet.com; Phone: 800-445-5777

PURINA – Website: purina.com/purina-pro-plan-veterinary-diets; Phone: 800-778-7462

ROYAL CANIN – Website: my.royalcanin.com; Email: info.usa@royalcanin.com; Phone: 800-592-6687

 We appreciate your patience and understanding as we traverse these unique times.

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

When being the worst makes you first.

For over 75 years, we have been our community's pet healthcare provider. Founded as a small general practice, we have grown to become a wellness, specialty, and emergency pet care center. Our emergency service is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. A doctor is always in.

While many veterinary practices had to close for times during the pandemic, during quarantine, we actually added more general service care hours to accommodate the growing pet community. Now as we begin to enjoy more moments of "business as usual" in many areas of our lives, we are well prepared to continue to serve our community. 



With that in mind, we want to remind you that our emergency room is here for your pet's care. Whether you are a client of our GP practice or a patient of a community veterinarian, our 24-hour emergency service is here to help you in your times of need- just like a human ER!


Therefore when choosing us for emergency care, these are some things we think you should know.

Upon arrival in our emergency room—whether during overnight or regular hours---the first stop is triage. In triage, a veterinary nurse typically prioritizes each patient's condition into one of three general categories:


Priority Level 1- Immediately life-threatening


Priority Level 2- Urgent, but not necessarily immediately life-threatening



Priority Level 3- Less urgent


Categorization is necessary to ensure that a pet with a life-threatening condition is not left waiting just because he or she arrived a few minutes later than a pet with a less severe problem. A veterinary triage nurse will record the pet's vital signs (pulse, respiratory rate, and capillary refill time) and get a brief history of a pet's medical history and medications. In some instances, the pet will be brought to the ICU to be triaged further. Their temperature, weight, and blood pressure can be accessed. This information will help us determine the pet's appropriate triage level and establish expected wait times. 


After triage, the pet will be checked in. This is not very exciting however, during check-in important information like the owner's best form of contact and pet's primary care veterinarian information is collected to ensure that the entire care team is well informed about the services provided in this emergency. 



If a pet's condition is life-threatening, then this check-in process may be completed while the pet is being treated. 


Once triaged and checked in, pet and owner can wait in the lobby or their car for the first available veterinarians. It is reasonable to expect this wait time could be extensive.


Pet owners should always communicate with the practice if their pet's triage level changes. During emergencies, being worst makes you first. So, the longer you wait the better may be a good message about your pet's health but it may not be as good for your patience. In these instances, a pet owner may consider scheduling an appointment for conditions that are triaged at a Priority Level 3.





Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Local Rabies Alert

City of Weston reported a rabies alert for portions of the city.

Post Date:09/18/2021 5:21 PM -https://www.westonfl.org/
Date: September 18, 2021 /Contact: Nina Levine, Nina.Levine@FLHealth.gov / 954-895-5745

HEALTH OFFICIALS ISSUE RABIES ALERT
Rabies Alert for a Portion of Weston, Florida

Fort Lauderdale – The Florida Department of Health in Broward County (DOH-Broward) issued a rabies alert for a portion of Weston, Florida. This is in response to a fox that tested positive on September 17, 2021.

All residents and visitors in Broward County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated. The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in Broward County. Alerts are designed to increase awareness to the public. Please be aware that rabies can also occur outside the alert area.

This rabies alert is for 60 days (it expires on November 16.) The alert includes the following boundaries in Broward County:

  • Weston Hills Drive to the North
  • S.W. 196th Avenue to the West
  • North Ridge Drive to the East
  • Griffin Road to the South

An animal with rabies could infect domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and all wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes. Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm blooded animals and humans. The only preventive measure for human exposure to rabies is rabies specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Rabies prophylaxis started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:

  • Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets and at-risk livestock.
  • Do not allow your pets to run free. Follow leash laws by keeping pets and livestock secured on your property. If your pet or livestock are bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Animal Control Services for your jurisdiction.
  • Support animal control in efforts to reduce feral and stray animal populations.
  • Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or regularly vaccinated.
  • Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with outdoor food sources such as uncovered trash or litter. 
  • 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 DOH-Broward at 954-467-4700.

For further information on rabies, go to

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (floridahealth.gov)

Source: https://www.westonfl.org/Home/Components/News/News/913/18?backlist=%2F