Kitten in Greenville tests positive for rabies, please vaccinate your pets

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Dee W. Jones, D.V.M., (334) 206-5969

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has confirmed that a Greenville resident has been bitten by a rabies-positive kitten. The kitten was found on a resident's porch, and presumed to be a part of a nearby feral cat colony. The resident had been caring for the abandoned animal, approximately 8-weeks-old, when residents were bitten. The kitten became very ill and died a few days afterwards.

The residents are seeking medical advice and care from their family physician. The ADPH is investigating the stray cat colony and working with animal control to develop an effective plan for the health of the other animals.

State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Dee Jones said, “In a world of emerging infectious diseases, rabies is certainly not new, but it remains a threat to people and animals. Fortunately, there are very effective, accessible prevention methods in animals; unfortunately, sometimes it just comes down to compliance. Cases of rabies in domestic animals give ADPH an opportunity to remind people of the need to be vigilant on vaccinating their animals."

It is very common for domestic animals and pets to have contact with a wild rabid animal. Alabama state law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older be current with rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccines are also available for horses and other livestock if recommended by a veterinarian. Vaccinating animals reduces the risk of rabies infection should an exposure occur; thus, vaccinations help protect animals, as well as their owners and caretakers.

Rabies prevention is multifaceted. It involves people taking precautions with wildlife, making sure their pets are current on rabies vaccinations, and always reporting an animal bite or other exposure to their medical provider or ADPH. In addition to vaccination, area residents are advised to take the following precautions to avoid possible exposure to rabies:

• Do not allow pets to run loose; confine them within a fenced-in area or with a leash.
• Do not leave uneaten pet food or scraps near your residence.
• Do not illegally feed or keep wildlife as pets.
• Do not go near wildlife or domestic animals that are acting in a strange or unusual manner.
• Caution children not to go near any stray or wild animal, regardless of its behavior.

For more information about rabies and prevention, please contact ADPH at (334) 206-5969 or visit alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/rabies

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9/16/22

County health departments throughout Alabama provide a wide range of confidential and professional services. Contact your local county health department for additional information.

Mission: To promote, protect, and improve Alabama’s health

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