West NY News

The Chautauqua County Health Department (CCHD) has confirmed that two feral or stray cats in the City of Jamestown have died from the rabies virus. No other cats have been identified as having rabies, and currently, the Health Department has no other open investigations of potentially rabid cats.

The first cat was found with wounds from an animal fight. A resident took the cat into their home to try to let it heal. The cat was kept separate from other animals in the home. After nearly two weeks, the cat began acting strangely and eventually died in the home. The residents who interacted with the cat were not bitten or scratched.

The second cat was found in poor health by a resident who frequently feeds feral cats. The cat was taken into the home and died while in the home. The resident was scratched by the cat and was treated with rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.

“These incidents should serve as a reminder to residents to take precautions around feral or stray animals and that animal rabies is a serious public health concern and continues to be present in Chautauqua County,” said Jessica Wuerstle, County Director of Environmental Health Services.

Animals such as feral or stray cats that are not current on their rabies vaccine are at risk. Only mammals can transmit the rabies virus, so animals like birds, snakes, and fish do not pose a risk for rabies.

The following measures will help protect your family and your pets from rabies exposure incidents:

- Do not feed wild or stray animals.

- Do not leave your pet’s food outside where a wild or stray animal may be attracted to it.

- Secure garbage, bird seed, or other potential outdoor food sources in bins with tightly fitting lids so wild and stray animals are not attracted to your property.

- Do not approach or handle any wild or unknown domestic animal. If you find an injured wild animal, or have questions about wildlife encounters please refer to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website at: https://dec.ny.gov/nature/wildlife-health.

- Teach children to never approach an unfamiliar animal, even if the animal appears friendly, and to tell an adult immediately if they are bitten or scratched.

- Wash any animal bites and scratches immediately with soap and water and contact your healthcare provider immediately. Call the Health Department to evaluate your risk of rabies exposure, including whether rabies post-exposure treatment is recommended.

- Keep your pet's rabies and distemper vaccinations up-to-date. Pets who are left unattended outside may come in contact with feral or wild animals. Pets who spend all their time indoors may come in contact with bats.

“Rabies is a life-threatening virus but post-exposure treatment is very effective if used correctly,” according to Chautauqua County’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michael Faulk.

People and animals are exposed to the rabies virus through an infected animal’s saliva. If you are bitten by a feral/stray cat or dog seek medical treatment. If the animal can be captured, call the Health Department for guidance on whether the animal will need to be tested for rabies or if it can be monitored for evidence of health and behavior changes.

Chautauqua County Health Department supports efforts that Jamestown officials continue to make to address vacant and neglected properties in the city. These properties can act as gathering places for feral and wild animals and may lead to additional public health challenges.

“Pets that haven’t been vaccinated for rabies, or are not current on their vaccine are at risk for catching rabies. While vaccination is especially important for pets who spend time outdoors, it is also important for indoor animals that may only occasionally leave the house or may have a bat encounter in the house,” stated Wuerstle.

Rabies vaccine protects pets from the fatal rabies virus and protects pet owners who may be exposed through their pets. The initial rabies vaccination is valid for one year and subsequent booster vaccinations are valid for three years. If an unvaccinated pet or one that is overdue on its vaccination comes in contact with a rabid or suspected rabid animal, the pet must either be euthanized or strictly quarantined for six months. Vaccinated animals that come in contact with potentially rabid animals can simply be given booster vaccinations as long as they are given within five days of exposure.

To help keep your pets up-to-date with required rabies vaccines, CCHD works with local municipalities to host free animal rabies vaccination clinics throughout Chautauqua County and is planning two clinics in Jamestown area soon.

If you have questions about possible rabies exposure, please call CCHD at 716-753-4481. For more information on rabies visit HealthyCHQ.com/rabies

About Chautauqua County Health Department - CCHD is dedicated to supporting community health through innovative approaches providing technical assistance to partner organizations while offering various programs aimed at disease prevention, public health protection, promoting overall community wellness.