BARTOW, Florida — The third rabies case in Polk County this year has been confirmed within Bartow city limits.
The rabid animal, a Brazilian free-tailed bat, was discovered on April 8, 2026, when a family’s cat was found near a live bat inside their home. Although it is not believed the cat made contact with the bat, it is now under quarantine. The bat was captured and sent to the State Laboratory in Tampa for testing, which confirmed it was positive for rabies, according to a press release from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Grady Judd emphasized the importance of pet vaccinations, stating, “Do not hesitate to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control if you come into contact with sick, injured, or deceased wildlife. This is also a reminder how important it is to make sure your pets are vaccinated, even if it lives indoors.”…