Those Who Might Have Had Contact with Rabid Cat Advised to Contact HEALTH for Evaluation As Soon As Possible
PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management and the Department of Health (HEALTH) are advising people in the area of Lower Rd. in Lincoln, RI that a neighborhood cat that attacked a resident and exposed two other persons on April 17th has tested positive for rabies. These individuals have started treatment with rabies vaccine.
The cat is described as a brown tiger type cat and has been seen with three other cats: a black tiger, a grey tiger and an orange tiger. These cats are not believed to have an owner and may be feral. Also on Lower Rd. in the area the cat was caught is G&P Performance (a ship building company), a Children's Dance Studio, a gun shop, a welding business, a Machine Shop and a Chiropractic office.
Anyone who may have had contact with this cat prior to its capture on April 17th should contact HEALTH for evaluation (and potential treatment with rabies vaccine) at 222-2577 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., or at 272-5952 if calling after hours.
According to R.I. State Veterinarian Scott Marshall, DVM, this particular rabies case is high risk because the cat roamed the neighborhood and may have had contact with people and pets. These people may not be aware that they have been exposed to rabies.
Those with domestic animals that may have had contact with these cats should call Lincoln Animal Control at 401-333-0950 so that their pet can be evaluated.
All dogs, cats and ferrets are required by State law to have current vaccination against rabies. Vaccination of pet animals prevents them from contracting rabies, and prevents people from becoming exposed to rabies from their pets. HEALTH and DEM make the following recommendations:
• Make sure dogs, cats and ferrets are properly vaccinated against rabies. It is the law. • Avoid all contact with stray, wild or free-roaming domestic animals. • Call HEALTH if you have had any contact with a stray, wild or free-roaming domestic animal. • Call your local animal control officer if an animal you own has had contact with a stray, wild or free-roaming domestic animal. • Secure all trash so that animals will not be attracted to it. • Do not feed animals outdoors, as this will attract other animals. This is especially dangerous when feeding large numbers of free-roaming cats. • Do not leave pets outdoors loose or unattended.
More information: http://health.ri.gov/diseases/rabies/