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Stray Cat Tests Positive for Rabies

Health Department

(BINGHAMTON, NY) – Claudia Edwards, Public Health Director for the Broome County Health Department reported today that two Endicott residents were exposed to rabies after taking in a stray cat. The cat tested positive for rabies on Thursday, August 4, 2011. 

Broome County Health Department officials are asking residents to notify the health department if they had any contact with a stray cat residing in the area between Round Top Park and Riverside Cemetery south of East Main Street (17 C) between July 22, 2011 and August 1, 2011. Residents should call the health department at 607.778.2847 on August 8, 2011, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at which time an interview will be provided to evaluate the need for rabies treatment.
 
Rabies is virus that affects the central nervous system. The rabies virus is carried in the saliva of infected animals and is usually transmitted to people and other animals when they are bitten by the rabid animal. If left untreated, rabies is fatal to humans and animals. Prompt vaccination, known as post exposure prophylaxis (PEP), following a bite can prevent rabies in humans.    
 
The Broome County Health Department urges residents to follow these steps to reduce the risk for rabies exposure: 
  • Avoid contact, and teach children to avoid contact, with stray pets and domestic animals that you are not familiar with.
  • Avoid contact with any wild animal. Be especially suspicious of wild animals that are unusually tame or aggressive. Do not attract wild animals or strays to your yard by feeding them. Tightly cap garbage cans and do not feed pets outside.
  • Do not handle pets with bare hands for several hours if they have had any involvement with a suspected rabid wild animal. Pet owners should keep a pair of thick gloves handy for just such situations. Always wash your hands afterwards.
  • Avoid contacts with the saliva of any animal, including pets, that may be rabid or that may have been exposed to rabies.
  • Seek advice regarding bat roosts in homes. 
If you are bitten or have had contact a domestic animal or wild animal, immediately wash the wound or contact area, seek medical attention, and report the incident to the Broome County Health Department at 607.778.2887 or Broome County Emergency Dispatch at 607.778.1911 after hours. Attempt to find out where the animal lives, and if possible, get the owner’s name and phone number. Bats should be captured for testing if you are not 100 percent certain that there was no human or pet contact. After normal business hours, residents with urgent inquires can call Broome County Emergency Dispatch at 607.778.1911. A dispatcher will then contact health department staff for you.
 
Rabies vaccination is mandatory by Public Health Law for dogs, cats and domesticated ferrets once they are four months old. Anyone with a dog, cat or ferret that is in need of a rabies vaccination is urged to attend one of the rabies clinics planned for this fall.
 
Rabies Clinic Schedule
 
Lisle – Tuesday, August 16, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Town Garage– 9256 State Route 79
 
Maine – Tuesday, September 13, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Town Highway Garage – Ellis Payne Road
 
Vestal – Saturday, October 22, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Fire Station #3 – 2164 Old Owego Road
 
City of Binghamton – Saturday, December 3, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Fire Station # 4 – 176 Robinson Street
 
Animals receiving their first vaccination must be at least 3-months old. A $5 donation per animal is requested to help cover the cost of the clinic but is not required. All pets will be vaccinated regardless of ability to donate. If your pet has had a previous rabies vaccination, bring the certificate with you so that your pet may receive a three year vaccination. Without the certificate, your pet will receive a one-year vaccination. Pets must be on a leash or in a crate while at the clinic.
 
For more information regarding rabies call the Broome County Health Department at 607.778.2887 or to hear a list of upcoming rabies vaccination clinics call the Broome County Health Department information line at 607.778.3911, option 1. To see a list of the clinic dates visit www.gobroomecounty.com/hd and click on Rabies Clinics Online.
 

Posted: 8/10/2011 9:49 am

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