Kitten in Russell County tests positive for rabies; one individual exposed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

The Alabama Department of Public Health is urging people to be cautious around stray animals following a stray cat that tested positive for rabies. On Sunday, January 11, 2026 an individual near the Crawford community in Russell County was scratched by a stray cat that had ventured onto their property. The cat was not aggressive, but did manage to scratch the person through a pair of gloves. The cat was taken to the Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine and subsequently tested and confirmed positive by the ADPH laboratory.

ADPH has worked with animal control, the victim, as well as the Auburn teaching veterinary hospital to identify possible human exposures and insuring that they are appropriately treated to prevent infection. According to Dr. Dee W. Jones, Alabama State Public Health Veterinarian, "taking precautions with stray animals is yet another instance of hindsight is 20/20, meaning diagnosing rabies will always be after exposures have happened and the best way to minimize exposures is to use precautions by considering rabies as a possibility in unvaccinated animals."

Alabama state law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older be current with rabies vaccination. The first rabies vaccination is only good for one year, regardless of which vaccine a pet receives. 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 ADPH Infectious Diseases.

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