POLK CITY, Fla. — A raccoon in Polk County tested positive for rabies, becoming the third animal to have the disease this year in Polk.
On Monday, a couple from Flanders Station Drive in Polk City told Animal Control their dog got into a fight with the raccoon. The owner of the dog shot and killed the raccoon.
The dog suffered cuts from the attack but had a current rabies vaccination. It was placed in a 45-day quarantine at home.
A bat in Lakeland and a bat in Winter Haven were the other two cases in the county this year.
Residents are reminded that bats and raccoons are among the mammals considered to be high-risk species or "rabies vector species" (RVS). Please do not approach any animal which is acting in an unusual or suspicious manner. If you think you or your pet has had an "exposure," or if you suspect an animal of having rabies, please contact the PCSO Animal Control Section at 863-577-1762.
In the State of Florida, all dogs, cats, and ferrets 4 months of age or older must be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian against rabies with a vaccine that is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture.
