A stray cat found in the Town of Sangerfield has tested positive for rabies, according to the Oneida County Health Department.
One person was exposed to the cat and received post-exposure prophyaxis.
The cat was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center for testing on July 1 and the results came back July 2.
The health department warns residents to stay away from wild or stray animals that exhibit any of these symptoms of rabies:
If you suspect that an animal has rabies, call your local animal control officer.
All pet dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated for rabies by the time they’re four months old and then again one year later under New York State public health law. Dog and cats need boosters every three years, but ferrets need boosters annually.
Upcoming rabies clinics
Oneida County sill hold rabies vaccination clinics:
To schedule an appointment at a clinic or for more information on rabies, go to oneidacountyny.gov/rabies. Call the county health department 24/7 at 315-798-5064 24 if you think you may have been exposed to rabies.
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Oneida County Health Department cautions residents after cat tests positive for rabies
Reporting by Amy Neff Roth, Utica Observer Dispatch / Observer-Dispatch
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