Staff Reporter | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)
Published October 15th, 2025
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Lakeland, FL – Polk County officials are sounding the alarm after a stray cat tested positive for rabies, marking the county’s first confirmed case of the year — and a chilling reminder of how quickly this deadly virus can strike.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded on Sunday, October 12, when a vet tech at Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Lakeland was bitten by a stray cat brought in for treatment. The woman who transported the animal also suffered multiple scratches before the cat was euthanized and sent to the State Laboratory in Tampa for testing.
When results came back, the news was grim: the cat tested positive for rabies.
“Rabies is a deadly disease, and even one case is one too many,” warned Sheriff Grady Judd. “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.”
Both victims have been advised to begin emergency medical treatment immediately — a race against time, as rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
Officials are urging residents to remain vigilant. Do not approach any animal that appears sick, aggressive, or unusually friendly. Keep pets vaccinated, and if you notice any strange animal behavior in your neighborhood — foaming at the mouth, staggering movements, or sudden aggression — contact Animal Control immediately at 863-577-1762.
This confirmed case serves as a stark reminder that rabies still lurks in Central Florida. One encounter with the wrong animal could be deadly.
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