The Chautauqua County Health Department has confirmed that two feral or stray cats in the City of Jamestown have died from the rabies virus. According to health officials, the first cat was found with wounds from an animal fight. A resident took the cat into their home to try to let it heal, and it was kept separate from other animals in the home. After nearly two weeks, the cat began acting strangely and eventually died in the home. The residents who interacted with the cat were not bitten or scratched. The second cat was found in poor health by a resident who frequently feeds feral cats. The cat was taken into the home and died while in the home. The resident was scratched by the cat and was treated with rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. No other cats have been identified as having rabies, and currently the Health Department has no other open investigations of potentially rabid cats.
County Environmental Health Services Director Jessica Wuerstle says, "These incidents should serve as a reminder to residents to take precautions around feral or stray animals and that animal rabies is a serious public health concern and continues to be present in Chautauqua County."
Animals, such as feral or stray cats, that are not current on their rabies vaccine are at risk. Only mammals can transmit the rabies virus, so animals like birds, snakes, and fish do not pose a risk for rabies.
The following measures will help protect your family and your pets from rabies exposure incidents:
- Do not feed wild or stray animals. Do not leave your pet's food outside where a wild or stray animal may be attracted to it.
- Secure garbage, bird seed, or other potential outdoor food sources in bins with tightly fitting lids so wild and stray animals are not attracted to your property.
- Do not approach or handle any wild or unknown domestic animal. If you find an injured wild animal, or have questions about wildlife encounters please refer to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.
- Teach children to never approach an unfamiliar animal, even if the animal appears friendly, and to tell an adult immediately if they are bitten or scratched.
- Wash any animal bites and scratches immediately with soap and water and contact your health care provider immediately. Call the Health Department to evaluate your risk of rabies exposure, including whether rabies post-exposure treatment is recommended.
- Keep your pet's rabies and distemper vaccinations up to date. Pets who are left unattended outside may come in contact with feral or wild animals. Pets who spend all their time indoors may come in contact with bats.
- Animals that have rabies may become aggressive and attack with no provocation, while others may appear tame or docile, and well-meaning animal lovers may be tempted to catch and help animals. However, when people take wild or feral animals in to their home, they create a real danger for the people and other pets in the home.
If you have questions about a possible rabies exposure, please call the Chautauqua County Health Department at (716) 753-4481. Click here for more information on rabies and to find the next available free rabies vaccine clinic in Chautauqua County.
