Second rabid cat found in county
Published in the Ocean County Observer 6/22/04
By DON BENNETT
Staff Writer
TOMS RIVER -- A rabid cat has been found in Whiting, the second feline with the disease discovered this year in Ocean County.
A woman had been feeding the stray cat and became concerned when it appeared to be sick. When she tried to comfort the cat she was exposed to rabies and opted to get a series of shots needed to prevent its spread in her body.
The cat was captured by an animal control officer, euthanized and tested positive for rabies.
Dr. Ella Boyd, coordinator of community health services for the Ocean County Board of Health said four raccoons have also been found with rabies.
Two of the rabid animals have exposed humans to the disease, requiring both to get a series of shots.
In addition to cats and raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats are sometimes rabid.
The health department recommends these steps to avoid contact with rabid animals:
Stay away from stray animals acting strangely and call animal control.
Get family pets vaccinated.
Make sure garbage is stored in animal resistant containers.
Screen off vents to attics and other areas that could shelter bats.
If bitten:
Remember where you last saw the animal and get a description for animal control officers.
Identify the owner, it the animal has one.
Wash the wound immediately with soap an water.
Call the doctor of go to the hospital.
Report the bite to the health department at (732) 341-9700, ext. 7502.
from the Ocean County Observer
Published in the Ocean County Observer 6/22/04
By DON BENNETT
Staff Writer
TOMS RIVER -- A rabid cat has been found in Whiting, the second feline with the disease discovered this year in Ocean County.
A woman had been feeding the stray cat and became concerned when it appeared to be sick. When she tried to comfort the cat she was exposed to rabies and opted to get a series of shots needed to prevent its spread in her body.
The cat was captured by an animal control officer, euthanized and tested positive for rabies.
Dr. Ella Boyd, coordinator of community health services for the Ocean County Board of Health said four raccoons have also been found with rabies.
Two of the rabid animals have exposed humans to the disease, requiring both to get a series of shots.
In addition to cats and raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats are sometimes rabid.
The health department recommends these steps to avoid contact with rabid animals:
Stay away from stray animals acting strangely and call animal control.
Get family pets vaccinated.
Make sure garbage is stored in animal resistant containers.
Screen off vents to attics and other areas that could shelter bats.
If bitten:
Remember where you last saw the animal and get a description for animal control officers.
Identify the owner, it the animal has one.
Wash the wound immediately with soap an water.
Call the doctor of go to the hospital.
Report the bite to the health department at (732) 341-9700, ext. 7502.
from the Ocean County Observer