Dead Bat Tests Positive For Rabies: Polk County Sheriff

FORT MEADE, FL — A dead bat tested positive for rabies in Fort Meade, according to a Polk County Sheriff’s Office news release.

This is the sixth case of rabies reported in Polk County this year.

The county saw three total cases in 2023 and the state saw 65 cases last year, Florida Department of Health data shows.

The bat was found Dec. 19 inside a kennel with three Alaskan huskies at a home in the area of Oak Avenue.

The dogs’ owner doesn’t know if one of the animals killed the bat or not, the sheriff’s office said. All three dogs are vaccinated.

The bat was sent to the state laboratory in Tampa; test results were received at Animal Control today, confirming the bat tested positive for rabies.

“Luckily this family's pets are vaccinated against this dangerous disease. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you come into contact with sick, injured or deceased wildlife,” Sheriff Grady Judd said.

Don’t approach any animal that is acting in an unusual or suspicious manner, the agency said.

Those who think that they or their pet might have been exposed to an animal with rabies should contact the PCSO Animal Control Section at 863-577-1762.