BARTOW, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) has issued a 60-day rabies alert for a specific area in Winter Haven after an unvaccinated cat tested positive for the disease. The cat was found near Havendale Blvd. in the Inwood area on July 20th.
This alert reminds residents and visitors to be vigilant, as rabies is present in the local wild animal population.
The alert zone borders US Highway 92 to the north, Avenue G NW to the south, Boys Club Road/W Lake Cannon Drive to the east, and 42nd St. NW to the west.
Related: Third Rabies Case Confirmed In Polk County For 2024
The DOH-Polk urges everyone to take precautions to prevent rabies exposure:
- Vaccinate: Ensure pets and livestock are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.
- Supervise: Keep pets leashed and livestock secured. If an animal is bitten, contact a veterinarian and Polk County Animal Control (863-499-2600).
- Avoid Contact: Do not interact with wild or stray animals. Keep pet food and garbage secured to avoid attracting them. Report any bites or scratches to DOH-Polk at 863-519-8300.
- Never Adopt Wildlife: Contact a licensed rehabilitator if you find a wild animal in need.
- Report Stray Animals: Contact Polk County Animal Control to remove strays from your neighborhood.
- Prevent Entry: Seal any openings in homes and buildings to prevent wildlife from entering.
For further information on rabies, visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Polk.
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