A second case of rabies for 2026 has been reported in Polk County, and comes less than two weeks after the first case was reported.

On March 25, 2026, a man reported that he noticed one of his three dogs was pawing at a bat in his home that is located southwest of Lakeland.

The bat was collected by the Polk County Sheriff's Office Animal Control and sent to the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories in Tampa for testing.

On Tuesday, March 31st, the Animal Control was notified that the bat tested positive for rabies. 

"It is important to keep your pets vaccinated against rabies, but also important to keep your distance from wild animals, especially if they appear to be in distress, angry, or aggressive.  If you or your pets come into contact with an animal that may have rabies, contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office Animal Control immediately.” -Grady Judd, Sheriff

All three of the man's dogs are vaccinated and under quarantine at his residence.