LAKELAND, Fla. – Health officials have issued a 60-day rabies alert for parts of Polk County after a feral cat tested positive for the disease. The unvaccinated cat was found in north Lakeland near Glen Road on June 11.
The Florida Department of Health in Polk County is now actively monitoring the area and warning everyone to stay away from stray or wild animals. The alert specifically covers a zone bordered by Chart Prine Road to the north, West Bella Vista Street to the south, Gardner Road to the east, and Shady Oak Drive East to the west.
Officials stress that the disease is currently active in the local wild animal population. This poses a higher risk from animals such as raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes. People and their pets should avoid any physical contact with these animals to prevent exposure.
To keep households safe, the health department is telling residents to ensure their pets and livestock are fully up to date on their rabies vaccinations, per their vet’s schedule. Pets must be kept on a leash and under direct supervision when outside, and livestock must be secured on the owner’s property.
Residents are also advised not to handle or feed wild animals. It is important to keep outdoor garbage cans tightly closed and to avoid leaving pet food outside, as it can attract unwanted wildlife to your yard. Homeowners should also check their homes and living spaces to ensure animals like bats cannot get inside.
If you or someone you know is bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, officials say to seek medical attention right away and report the injury to the health department at 863-519-8300, option 4. Getting the right post-exposure treatment quickly will reduce your risk of rabies.
If an animal bites a pet or livestock, owners should call a veterinarian immediately and contact Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control at 863-577-1762. Animal Control can also help remove stray animals from local neighborhoods.
Anyone looking to help an injured wild animal should never bring it home; instead, reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator through the state’s wildlife website at myfwc.com. Additional information about the virus is available at FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies.
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