A tabby cat that roamed around northern Westchester’s Katonah has tested positive for rabies, the Westchester County Department of Health said on Friday, May 9.
Two people who came in contact with the cat are being treated to prevent rabies. The health department said in a news release that it wants to speak with anyone who may have been bitten or scratched by the cat through Monday, May 5 to determine if anyone else was exposed to the rabies virus, which can be deadly.
The cat was an unvaccinated pet that roamed outdoors and wore a collar, according to the health department.
The department said that if you or a loved one had contact with the cat, call 914-813-5000 as soon as possible to be evaluated for preventive rabies treatment.
What are rabies symptoms?
Unusual behavior may be the first sign of rabies in an animal. A rabid animal may become either abnormally aggressive or unusually tame. It may lose fear of people and become excited and irritable or appear particularly passive and lethargic, the news release said. Staggering and frothing at the mouth are sometimes seen.
Any physical contact with a wild or unfamiliar animal should be reported to a health care provider. All animal bites or contact with animals suspected of having rabies must be reported to the county Health Department.
Tips to prevent rabies in people and pets
“Rabies is fatal, but can be prevented with post-exposure treatment prior to onset of symptoms,” Dr. Sherlita Amler, the county health commissioner, said in the release. “To avoid rabies, steer clear of wild animals and strays. If you see an injured or sick animal, call police. Teach your children not to approach or handle animals they don’t know, even if they appear young, injured or friendly, and to tell you right away if they are bitten or scratched by any animal.”
Amler said it’s also important to keep pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date, and to bat proof your home. “Discourage wild animals from visiting your yard by securely covering trash cans and keeping pet food and water indoors.”
The following are tips to prevent rabies:
State law requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies and to get regular booster shots. For information, go to westchestergov.com/health or call the RABIES INFOLINE at 914-813-5010.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Cat in Katonah tests positive for rabies. What to know if you suspect exposure to virus
Reporting by Michael P. McKinney, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
