Winter Haven, FL — The third rabies case in Polk County this year has been confirmed in Winter Haven.
On Friday, Polk County Sheriff’s Animal Control Officers responded to a call on Avenue T NW regarding a cat owner who was scratched and bitten while intervening in a fight between his two cats. The cat responsible for the bites was found deceased the following day.
The deceased cat was sent to the State Laboratory in Tampa, where it tested positive for rabies. The other cat, which was not vaccinated against rabies, was surrendered to Polk County Animal Control. The Florida Department of Health in Polk County will manage the rabies exposure treatment for the owner.
Sheriff Grady Judd advised, “Please make sure your pets are up to date on all their vaccines; being vaccinated can save your pet’s life.”
Residents are cautioned not to approach animals displaying unusual or suspicious behavior. For potential rabies exposure, contact the PCSO Animal Control Section at 863.577.1762.
