Rabies case reported in Lakeland after dog bitten by raccoon

A rabies case was reported Thursday by the Polk County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Section. According to reports, last Friday, a homeowner on Glenoak Drive in Lakeland heard a dog howl outside. Noticing blood on the back porch, she saw that a raccoon had bitten a Chihuahua.

The raccoon was impounded from the location and the State Laboratory in Tampa confirmed the raccoon tested positive for rabies.

The dog already had its rabies vaccination, but is to be quarantined for 45 days in its owner's house.

Polk Animal Control said raccoons are among the mammals considered to be high risk species or "rabies vector species," and all pets should be vaccinated. 

They also caution approaching any animal which is acting in a suspicious or unusual manner.

Residents are encouraged to call Animal Control at 863-577-1762 if they think they or their pets have been exposed to rabies.

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