POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A second case of rabies was confirmed in Polk County, according to health officials.
The Florida Department of Health in Polk County on Monday confirmed a case in a raccoon that was killed on April 3 in the Frostproof area off State Highway 630.
Recommended Videos
“All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies may be currently present in the wild animal population,” the health department said in a news release.
The department said people and pets should avoid contact with wild animals. Anyone exposed to rabies should receive appropriate treatment to help protect from any risks.
The rabies alert is issued for 60 days and includes the following areas in Polk County:
- Northern boundary: State Highway 630 West
- Eastern boundary: Lake Clinch
- Southern boundary: Kelly Road
- Western boundary: U.S. 27
Residents can take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:
- Keep pets under supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property.
- If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary help immediately and contact Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control at 863-499-2600.
- Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans or other sources of food.
- If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention and report the injury to DOH-Polk by calling 863-519-8300.
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
- Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control at 863-499-2600.
- Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
- Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.
For more information, visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or call 863-519-8300.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: