POLK COUNTY, Fla. – The second case of rabies in 2023 has been confirmed in Polk County, according to Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
According to investigators, on June 14, 2023, a family dog in the Orange Avenue area of Bartow was found with a dead bat in its mouth.
The family contacted PCSO Animal Control, and an officer took possession of the bat. Its carcass was sent to Tampa for testing.
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The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section received the test results from the state laboratory in Tampa on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, which showed the bat was positive for the deadly virus.
“Thankfully, this dog was current on its rabies vaccination and not injured. He will have to be quarantined to make sure he is not infected. Remember, if a wild animal is in distress, acting aggressive or appears sick, stay away from it and contact Animal Control immediately,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
The first case of rabies in Polk County was found in March of this year.
According to Polk County Sheriff’s Office, on March 22, 2023, a family dog in the Meadowbrook Blvd. area of Winter Haven was found with a live bat in its mouth.
The family contacted PCSO Animal Control, and an officer took possession of the bat. Its carcass was sent to Tampa for testing.
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The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section received the test results from the state laboratory in Tampa on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, which showed the bat was positive for the deadly virus.
The dog was not injured by the bat and has been vaccinated.
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