POLK COUNTY, Fla. — On Thursday, the Polk County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Section confirmed a positive rabies case in Polk County.
On December 28, 2818 a homeowner on Glenoak Drive in Lakeland heard a dog howl outside. She noticed blood on the back porch and saw that a raccoon had bitten a Chihuahua.
The raccoon was impounded from the location and was confirmed positive for rabies from the State Laboratory in Tampa.
The dog already had its rabies vaccination, but will need to be quarantined for 45 days in its owner's house.
Residents are reminded that raccoons are among the mammals considered to be high risk species or "rabies vector species" (RVS). Please make sure your pets are vaccinated and do not approach any animal which is acting in an unusual or suspicious manner.
If you think you or your pet has had an "exposure," please contact the PCSO Animal Control Section at 863.577.1762.
