Bartow, Fla. (NewsRadio WFLA)- The Florida Department of Health in Polk County issued a rabies alert for the Kathleen area in response to a raccoon that tested positive for rabies.
All residents and visitors in Polk County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population, and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated. The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in Polk County. Alerts are designed to increase awareness to the public. Please be aware that rabies activities can also occur outside the alert area.
This rabies alert is for 60 days. The center of the rabies alert is in the Kathleen area and includes the following boundaries in Polk County:
North boundary from West Socrum Loop Road west to the Hillsborough County border
South boundary Knights Station Road
East boundary US 98
West boundary Hillsborough County border
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets and at-risk livestock
Do not allow your pets to run free. Follow leash laws by keeping pets and livestock secured on your property. If your pet or livestock is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Polk County Sheriff's Office Animal Control at (863) 499-2600.
Persons who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to DOH-Polk at (863) 519-8300
Photo credit: MyFWC