POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A rabies alert is in effect in Polk County after a rabid cat bit a veterinary technician at a Lakeland animal hospital Sunday evening.
It is the first confirmed case of rabies in 2025, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
“It was a very, quite severe bite wound,” said Dr. Loren Nations, veterinarian and co-owner of Parkway Veterinary Emergency Services in Lakeland.
He said a stray cat was brought in by a Good Samaritan, who found it in the South Lakeland area off South Carter Road.
As a tech was evaluating the cat, it lunged at and bit her on the hand and she went to the hospital.
“She was sent home with antibiotics,” Nations said. “Unfortunately, the bite started getting infected. She was admitted to the hospital for IV antibiotics to prevent spread from infection, just from the bite.”
The person who brought in the cat was scratched.
The cat was euthanized due to its behavior and unknown vaccine history.
It tested positive for rabies.
“[Our vet tech] will get vaccinations that will eliminate the virus from her so it is treatable as long as it’s caught early before the disease has progressed,” Nations said.
Nations said rabid cats are fairly uncommon, and it likely came in contact with a rabid animal.
“Skunks and raccoons are one of the main reservoirs; foxes, and then any other animals that get in a fight or are bitten can potentially become carriers,” he said.
Vaccines for pets are 100% effective.
Otherwise, Dr. Nations said, rabies is deadly.
“If they’re rabid, then that’s a big deal,” Nations said. “Rabies is 100% fatal so when they start showing clinical signs, there’s no treatment and it’s not a pleasant way to go. It causes neurological problems and asphyxiation at the end of the day. It’s a very significant public health concern.”
The rabies alert is in effect for 60 days in this south Lakeland area:
- Northern boundary: Polk Parkway
- Southern boundary: W Carter Road/E Carter Road
- Eastern boundary: Lakeland Highlands Road
- Western boundary: State Road 37
The Florida Department of Health in Polk County will be monitoring rabies in wild animals in the area.
These are tips from the Dept. of Health:
- Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
- Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured
on your property. - If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary
assistance for the animal immediately and contact Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Animal Control at 863-577-1762 - Avoid contact with wild or stray animals.
- Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other sources of food. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or
domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH-Polk by
calling 863-519-8300. - Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a
licensed wildlife rehabilitator. - Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your
neighborhood. Contact Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control at
863-577-1762. - Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied
spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in
contact with people and pets.
“Rabies is a deadly disease, and even one case is one too many. We urge everyone to stay alert and avoid contact with stray or wild animals acting strangely. If you see something suspicious, call us, don’t take chances with your health,” said Sheriff Grady Judd in a statement.
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