LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) has issued a 60-day rabies alert for a portion of South Lakeland following a confirmed case of rabies in a stray cat.
The infected cat was captured in the South Lakeland area off South Carter Road on October 13, 2025. DOH-Polk is now closely monitoring for rabies activity among wild animals in the region and is urging all residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution, as rabies is known to be present in the local wild animal population.
The boundaries for the 60-day rabies alert include:
- Northern boundary: Polk Parkway
- Southern boundary: W Carter Road/E Carter Road
- Eastern boundary: Lakeland Highlands Road
- Western boundary: State Road 37
Officials stress that contact with wild animals such as raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, and bobcats carries a high risk of human exposure and necessitates immediate post-exposure treatment. Residents who are exposed to rabies should seek appropriate medical treatment, which is protective against the disease.
Precautions to Prevent Rabies Exposure:
DOH-Polk advises the public to take the following steps to protect themselves and their pets:
- Vaccinate Pets: Ensure all pets and livestock are current on their rabies immunizations as recommended by a veterinarian.
- Supervise Pets: Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash when outdoors, and secure livestock on your property. Any animal bitten by another animal should receive immediate veterinary care, and the incident should be reported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control at 863-577-1762.
- Avoid Wild and Stray Animals: Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild or stray animals by leaving pet food outdoors, securing garbage cans, or removing other outdoor food sources.
- Report Exposure: If bitten or scratched by any wild or domestic animal, seek immediate medical attention and report the injury to DOH-Polk by calling 863-519-8300.
- Control Strays and Wildlife: Contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control at 863-577-1762 to report and remove stray animals. Prevent wildlife, especially bats, from entering homes or other occupied areas.
For more information on rabies, residents can visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Polk directly at 863-519-8300.
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