MAYVILLE – County Health Department officials say they’ve found a rabid cat in the town of French Creek and are using the incident to remind residents to mindful about how to prevent pets from getting the disease. Health officials say they were informed yesterday that the cat – which had bit two county residents last week – had been confirmed as positive for rabies. Fortunately, neither individual was seriously injured. Post-exposure rabies treatment was ordered to prevent the development of rabies due to the bite victims’ direct contact with the rabies virus through the cat’s saliva. Three more animals that were in contact with the cat are also undergoing testing for the virus.
Because rabies almost always leads to death without treatment, exposure must be avoided. Post-exposure treatment is also expensive, costing about $2500.
County Public Health Director Christine Schulyer is reminding residents that no matter how sad it is to see an animal in need, it is important to KEEP AWAY when it appears or behaves in a sick manner. She says the most effective way to protect yourself is to learn about rabies and how to reduce the risk of exposure to yourself and your pets.
New York State law requires that all dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets over the age of four months be vaccinated against rabies. For further information about rabies and the many free upcoming rabies clinics, contact the Chautauqua County Department of Health at 1-866-604-6789.
Leave a Reply