FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 8, 2006

RABIES ALERT

Rabid Cat Found in Rye

The Westchester County Department of Health today is issuing a Rabies Alert to residents who may have had contact with a small, adult cat with long, black hair and no tail found on Soundview Avenue, Rye and picked up at the Westchester Shore Humane Society on March 4, 2006.

"Anyone who believes that he or she, or a pet, may have had contact with this cat in late February or early March should contact the Westchester County Department of Health immediately at (914) 813-5000 to assess his or her need for life saving rabies treatment," stated Joshua Lipsman, M.D., J.D., M.P.H., Westchester County Commissioner of Health.

Dr. Lipsman warns that anyone bitten by a rabid animal or having contact with its saliva may need to receive immediate rabies treatment. “When administered early enough, before symptoms develop, the treatment is 100% effective,” he said. “However, once symptoms occur, in humans or animals, the disease is fatal.”

“It is imperative for pet owners to immunize their animals against rabies and to ensure that these vaccinations are kept up to date," said Dr. Lipsman. "Previously vaccinated domestic animals such as dogs,

cats, and ferrets, that have experienced contact with this cat require a booster vaccination within five days of exposure. Such incidents must be immediately reported to the health department," he continued. “If residents have questions, they should call us at (914) 813-5000.”

A change in an animal's behavior is the first sign of rabies. A rabid animal may become either abnormally aggressive or unusually tame. It may lose fear of people and become excited and

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irritable, or, conversely appear particularly passive. Staggering and frothing at the mouth are sometimes noted. Adults should encourage children to immediately tell an adult if they have been bitten by an animal and to refrain from touching unfamiliar animals.

All animal bites or contacts with animals suspected of having rabies must be reported to the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000, 24 hours a day. For more information about rabies and its prevention, residents can also call the RABIES INFOLINE at (914) 813-5010 or visit the Health Department’s Website at www.westchestergov.com/health.

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