Two stray cats that died after Jamestown residents took them into their homes have been confirmed with rabies, the Chautauqua County Health Department reported.
A resident found one of the cats with injuries from a fight with another animal, according to the report, and did not let it mingle with other animals in the house. It began acting strangely after about two weeks and did not bite or scratch anyone before it died.
The second cat was taken in by someone who frequently feeds feral cats, the Health Department said. This person was scratched by the cat before it died and received rabies prevention treatment.
“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,” Jessica Wuerstle, director of Environmental Health Services, said in a press release.
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Health officials warned residents to not feed wild or stray animals and to stay away from unknown domestic animals. They also advised that pets should be kept up to date on their rabies and distemper vaccinations. For more information, call 716-753-4481 or visit HealthyCHQ.com/rabies.
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