A case of rabies was confirmed Friday after a dead bat was found in Polk County, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It’s the county’s sixth case of 2024.
The dead bat was found on Dec. 19 along Oak Avenue in Fort Mead in a kennel with three Alaskan huskies. The bat was sent to a lab in Tampa to be tested, and the results were positive for rabies, deputies said.
It’s unknown if the dogs killed the bat, but according to the sheriff’s office, all of the dogs are vaccinated.
“Luckily this family’s pets are vaccinated against this dangerous disease,” Sheriff Grady Judd said in a statement. “Please do not hesitate to contact us if you come into contact with sick, injured, or deceased wildlife.”
Residents are advised not to approach unusually acting animals. Those who think either themselves or their pets have been exposed are asked to call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section at 863-577-1762.