Kitten tests positive for rabies in Oneida County; multiple adults and other pets exposed

A kitten has tested positive for rabies in the city of Rome, according to an announcement from the Oneida County Department of Health.

The kitten was sent to the state Department of Health Wadsworth Center Laboratory in Albany for testing on Thursday, and positive results were reported on Friday, according to the Rome Sentinel.

Several adults and pets were exposed to the kitten, and are receiving appropriate treatment, Oneida County Health Department officials said. No further information was given about the kitten or how other people and animals were exposed.

The Department of Health gave the following advice on rabies and animals – including pets:

* Signs of rabies include: Animals act strangely; animals act crazy; animals act pitifully – the animal can get unusually close; and release as foam from the mouth.

* If anyone sees an animal, wild or straw, with these signs, they should not approach it and stay away. If one animal behaves strangely, call a local animal control officer for help.

* Residents are strongly encouraged not to approach animals they do not know. For the safety of pets and the convenience of the residents of the province, the County County Department of Health provides all year round through Rabies vaccination clinics at various community locations.

Pet Vaccination Recommendations:

• All cats, dogs, and ferrets that are three months or older should have a current rabies vaccination, even if they stay indoors.

• Dogs and cats should be vaccinated against rabies at 3 months of age, one year, and then once every three years.

Ferrets should be vaccinated against rabies every year.