(Breaking news) Cat found to be rabid

Health department seeking anyone who had contact with animal

Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009

A kitten that was part of a group of feral cats living near Prince Frederick Ford has been found to have rabies, and health officials are hoping to find anyone who may have come into contact with it.

The cat was one of 17 cats trapped and taken to foster homes with the hope of being adopted, according to the Calvert County Health Department. Dr. David Rogers, county health officer, said anyone who may have been bitten or scratched between Sept. 1 and Sept. 8 should immediately contact the health department.

Anyone who may have been bitten or scratched by the cat is urged to call Sharon Nazarek at the Calvert County Health Department at 410-535-5400, Ext. 422.

Nazarek, the department's director of Disease, Surveillance and Response, said the kitten was black and white, but the rest of the colony of feral cats could still be infected with rabies, so the other cats are being sought, as well.

She said the kitten was placed in a foster home and the owner noticed the kitten acting aggressively. The owner took the animal to a veterinarian, who observed extremely aggressive behavior and suspected rabies. The suspicion was later confirmed.

While there is no way to know exactly how the cat contracted the infection, Nazarek said it is endemic in foxes, bats and raccoons, meaning those animals have a very high instance of the disease. "They pass it on to domestic animals," Nazarek said.

She also wanted to stress that pet owners should be sure to have their animals vaccinated against the disease, and "people should not feed, pet or come in contact with stray animals. That is so important."

clovejoy@somdnews.com