WASHINGTON — A cat found near the intersection of Sudley Road and Shelter Lane in Haymarket, Virginia, has tested positive for rabies.
The young cat had gray fur with a tan or white spot located over its left eye and was found on Wednesday, May 13. The Prince William Health District asks anyone who may have come in contact with a cat acting abnormal in or around this area to call the health district at 703-792-5363 or the Prince William Animal Control Division at 703-792-6500.
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Rabies can be prevented in cats, dogs, ferrets and some livestock with a rabies vaccination. Rabies kills almost any mammal or human that gets sick from it.
The rabies virus is mainly in the saliva and brain tissue of rabid animals. It can be transmitted
through a bite or by getting saliva or brain tissue in a wound or in the eye or mouth.
PWHD says to protect pets and their owners from rabies, Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and that vaccinations be kept current. The public is also reminded to avoid contact with bats, feral cats, stray dogs and wild animals, particularly in the area where the sick cat was found.
Additional steps from PWHD to protect against rabies exposure:
- Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
- Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up-to-date. By law, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies.
- Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
- Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals.
- Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches.
- Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
- If you observe any stray animals in the area, contact the Prince William County Animal Control Division for assistance at 703-792-6500.
- Do not try to trap or handle stray and wild animals.
- If a bat is found indoors and may have had contact with someone, do not release it. Call the Prince William County Animal Control Division to determine if the animal should be picked up and tested for rabies.
- If bite by a wild or stray animal, wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water. Contact animal control, your doctor or the Prince William Health District for further recommendations.
