POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County has confirmed its sixth case of rabies this year, after a dead bat found in a dog kennel tested positive for the disease.
On December 19th, a resident on Oak Avenue in Fort Meade discovered a deceased bat inside a kennel housing three Alaskan Huskies. It is unclear whether any of the dogs had physical contact with the bat. Fortunately, all three dogs were up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.
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The bat was sent to the State Laboratory in Tampa for testing, and the results confirmed the presence of rabies.
“Luckily this family’s pets are vaccinated against this dangerous disease,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “Please do not hesitate to contact us if you come into contact with sick, injured, or deceased wildlife.”
Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, most commonly bats, raccoons, and foxes.
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The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to take precautions to avoid contact with wildlife and to ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies.
Here are some tips to prevent rabies:
- Vaccinate your pets: Keep your pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date.
- Avoid contact with wildlife: Do not approach or handle wild animals, especially those that appear sick or injured.
- Secure your property: Keep garbage and pet food secured to avoid attracting wild animals.
- Report suspicious animals: If you see an animal acting strangely, contact Polk County Animal Control at 863-577-1762.
If you believe you or your pet may have been exposed to rabies, seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment can prevent the disease from developing.
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