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LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA)— Polk County has confirmed a second rabies case, occurring just under two weeks after the initial incident.
A resident reported that on March 25, he witnessed one of his three dogs interacting with a bat inside his home.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office stated that the bat, identified as a Brazilian free-tailed species, was retrieved by PCSO Animal Control and sent to the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories for rabies testing.
On Tuesday, Animal Control received confirmation that the bat was indeed rabid.
Sheriff Grady Judd emphasized the necessity of rabies vaccinations for pets and urged caution around wildlife. He advised, “Maintain a safe distance from wild animals, especially if they seem distressed, angry, or aggressive. If there’s any contact between you or your pets and a potentially rabid animal, contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control right away.”
All three dogs are vaccinated and are under quarantine at this time, deputies said.
The first reported case of rabies was on March 22 in Lake Wales after a resident found their dog standing over a bat in the yard.
“Rabies is a deadly disease, and we urge everyone to stay alert and avoid contact with stray or wild animals acting strangely,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. “If you see something suspicious, call us, don’t take chances with your health.”
Deputies ask residents not to approach any animal that is acting unusually or suspiciously. If residents believe their pet has been exposed, contact the PSCO Animal Control Section at 863-577-1762.