Rabies Prevention Program

The Rabies Prevention Program is a coordinated effort with the Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) and Polk County Animal Control/Services to investigate all known animal bites to humans.

Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Mammals are animals like cats, raccoons, skunks, bats, dogs, and foxes. Birds and reptiles do not transmit rabies. Rabies is a disease that affects the brain. It is usually passed from animal to animal, but it can be passed from animals to people. It is caused by a virus. In Florida, the main wildlife sources of rabies are raccoons, bats, and foxes, while outside cats are the most common domestic animals found to have rabies.

You cannot tell if an animal has rabies by looking at it. A clue, however, is if the animal is acting strangely. Some animals may act mad when they have rabies. They will be hostile and may try to bite you or other animals. In movies, animals with rabies look like they are foaming at the mouth. What’s really happening is that the rabies keeps them from swallowing their saliva, and that makes them drool.

Other animals may act timid or shy when they have rabies. This is the most common kind. A wild animal might move slowly or act tame. You might be able to easily get close to it. Since that is not the way wild animals usually act, you should remember that something could be wrong.

The only way doctors can know for sure if an animal has rabies is to do a laboratory test.

The best thing to do is to never feed or approach a wild animal. Be careful of pets that you do not know. If you see a stray dog or cat, do not pet it. And if any animal is acting strangely, call your local animal control officer for help.

If an animal bites someone, Polk County Animal Control Services will try to capture the animal for testing at the state laboratory. If it has already been vaccinated, they will quarantine it to watch for signs of rabies. The Health Department will help decide if the person needs to get the rabies vaccination (shots). Most often, the reasons for getting the vaccine are that the animal was not found or the animal tested positive for rabies. Bites to the head often require prompt treatment with the rabies vaccine.

What can you do?

• Have your veterinarian vaccinate all of your dogs, cats, ferrets, and horses against rabies, and make sure you follow your veterinarian’s instructions for revaccination.
• Do not allow your pets to run free. Follow leash laws by keeping pets and livestock secured on your property.
• Avoid purposely interacting with wild animals such as feral cats, raccoons, or bats.
• Never feed wild or stray animals—avoid attracting them with outdoor food sources (such as uncovered trash). Feed your pets indoors.
• Report any stray or ill animals to Animal Control at 863-577-1762.
• If you are bitten by an animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, and see your doctor or go to the emergency room.
• If you are a physician or doctor’s office, you are required to report all animal bites to Animal Control at 863-577-1762.   

Rabies is 100% preventable. Animals can be vaccinated and people who have been bitten can receive vaccines to fight the disease.

Information on rabies from the Florida Department of Health: Florida Health Rabies Information

Information from Polk County Animal Control/Services: Polk County Animal Services