Pompey, NY--A feral cat living in the area of Ridge Road in Pompey, which had attacked several residents, has tested positive for rabies, Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow said today. Anyone who had physical contact with the cat should receive the rabies vaccine. This is the first finding of rabies in a cat since 2009. It's important...
Pompey, NY--A feral cat living in the area of Ridge Road in Pompey, which had attacked several residents, has tested positive for rabies, Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow said today.
Anyone who had physical contact with the cat should receive the rabies vaccine. This is the first finding of rabies in a cat since 2009.
It's important not to touch or feed unknown or feral cats because they interact with wildlife and have the potential to be rabid, Morrow said in a news release announcing the rabid cat.
People who have a feral cat on their property and want it removed should call a professional animal removal service.
Rabies is a fatal disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord. It can take several weeks to several months for symptoms to appear. Early treatment after exposure can prevent rabies.
Any mammal can get rabies. It is most often seen in bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes.