LAKELAND, Fla. – Health officials have issued a 60-day rabies alert for parts of Polk County after a feral cat tested positive for the disease. The unvaccinated cat was found in north Lakeland near Glen Road on June 11.
The Florida Department of Health in Polk County is now actively monitoring the area and warning everyone to stay away from stray or wild animals. The alert specifically covers a zone bordered by Chart Prine Road to the north, West Bella Vista Street to the south, Gardner Road to the east, and Shady Oak Drive East to the west.
Officials stress that the disease is currently active in the local wild animal population. This poses a higher risk from animals such as raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes. People and their pets should avoid any physical contact with these animals to prevent exposure.
To keep households safe, the health department is telling residents to ensure their pets and livestock are fully up to date on their rabies vaccinations, per their vet’s schedule. Pets must be kept on a leash and under direct supervision when outside, and livestock must be secured on the owner’s property…