Rabies case confirmed in Polk County

LAKELAND, Fla. — A case of rabies has been confirmed in Polk County, according the Sheriff's Office Animal Control Section.

According to the Sheriff's Office, a resident of Broken Arrow Trail, in Lakeland, found his dogs with a dead raccoon.

Animal Control sent the raccoon to be tested, and the tests came back positive for rabies.

The resident's dogs and other livestock on the property where the raccoon was found have been placed in quarantine, according to the Sheriff's Office.

It's the fourth confirmed rabies case in the county this year.

Earlier cases were confirmed in Lakeland, Auburndale and Bartow.

The Sheriff's Office said residents should remember that bats and raccoons are among the animals considered to be high-risk species for rabies. They say that residents should not approach any animal that is acting in an unusual way.

Polk County residents who think that they or a pet have been exposed to rabies should contact PCSO Animal Control at 863-499-2600.

WFTV