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Rabies warning in Polk County

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The warning was issued after an unvaccinated cat infected with the disease was caught in Winter Haven on Saturday.

BARTOW, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) has issued a rabies alert after officials confirmed a case in an unvaccinated cat captured in Winter Haven on Saturday.

Authorities are currently monitoring rabies among wildlife in the area, the DOH-Polk said in a news release. All Polk County residents should be aware that the disease is prevalent among wildlife in their area.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines rabies as a viral disease that is fatal to people who do not seek immediate medical attention. The disease is transmitted to people and pets through bites or scratches from an infected animal.

According to DOH-Polk, the rabies warning will last for 60 days in the following areas of the county:

  • Northern border: US Highway 92
  • Southern boundary: Ave. G NW
  • Eastern boundary: Boys Club Road/W Lake Cannon Drive
  • Western border: 42nd St. NW

To prevent infection with rabies, residents should, according to DOH-Polk:

  • Vaccinate your pets and livestock according to the vaccination schedule recommended by your veterinarian.
  • Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock safe on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek immediate veterinary attention for the animal and contact Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control at (863) 499-2600.
  • Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not touch them, feed them, or inadvertently attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other food sources. If you are bitten or scratched by a wild or domesticated animal, seek medical attention and report the injury to DOH-Polk at 863-519-8300.
  • Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
  • Call your local animal control agency to remove stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control at (863) 499-2600
  • Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living spaces or occupied areas in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they may come into contact with people and pets.

Anyone needing more information about rabies can call DOH-Polk at 863-519-8300 or click this link.

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