Residents who may have had contact with this cat are asked to consult with their doctors.
Frederick, Md (KM) A cat found in the Adamstown area early this month has tested positive for rabies.
The Frederick County Health Department says it received a report from the Maryland Department of Health Rabies Laboratory that a male, gray and cream-striped tabby which was found along Parks Mill Road between Peters Road and Hope Mills Lane, was rabid. . He’s about four to five years of age, and had a lazy right eye.
Anyone who has come into contact with this cat since December 10th, 2020 is urged to consult with the doctor or health care provider, and contact the Community Health Services Office at 301-600-3342. . If their pet has come into with this cat, they’re urged to call their veterinarian, and notify the Environmental Health Office at 301-600-1717,.
The Health Department says rabies is a disease that primarily affects mammals (animals which are warm-blooded, and nurse their young), and is spread through the saliva of infected animals, usually through a bite. The symptoms of rabies in animals could include fear of water, excessive salivation, failure to eat or drink, limping, or unusually friendly or aggressive behavior. The disease can also cause nocturnal animals to outside during the daytime.
The disease is always fatal to humans.
“To protect your family from possible rabies exposure, do not touch or play with wild or stray animals, and make sure your pets are vaccinated,” says Barry Glotfelty, Director of the Health Department’s Environmental Health Services.
If your pet has had contact with a wild or stray animal, contact Frederick County Animal Control at 301-600-1544.
By Kevin McManus