A Polk County resident's dog was attacked by a rabid raccoon last week, bringing the number of confirmed cases in the county to three for 2016.

  • Frostproof dog was attacked by rabid raccoon
  • Number of confirmed rabies in Polk rises to 3 for 2016
  • Dog received booster and will be quarantined

Authorities at the Polk County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Section confirmed the diagnosis Tuesday. 

According to the Sheriff's Office, the man's dog was attacked Oct. 12 at 1526 Scrub Jay Trail in Frostproof. Authorities say the dog's owner shot and killed the raccoon, and they were able to retrieve the carcass.

The raccoon was confirmed positive for rabies by a state laboratory.

As for the dog, it received a rabies booster, and deputies say it will be quarantined for 45 to 180 days.

Wildlife officials want to remind people that foxes are among the animals considered to be a high-risk species or "rabies vector species." Do not approach any animal acting in an unusual or suspicious manner. Anyone who thinks they or their pet has been exposed, contact Polk County Animal Control at (863) 577-1762.