The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) Animal Control has reported the first animal case of rabies in 2021 in a raccoon that was involved in a fight with a dog at Poyner Road in Polk City.
The owner of a Tibetan terrier mix separated the two animals and killed the raccoon, according to the sheriff’s office.
Animal Control picked up the raccoon carcass and sent it to the state laboratory in Tampa to be tested for rabies. A positive test result was confirmed two days later.
The dog is vaccinated and will remain at home under a 45-day quarantine.
“If you see a wild animal in distress, or if one of your pets interacts with a wild animal, contact Polk County Animal Control immediately.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
In 2020, there were 2 rabies cases in Polk County – one bat and one raccoon.
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