Kitten in Lee County tests positive for rabies; several individuals were exposed

October 24, 2024- MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has confirmed that a stray kitten approximately 4 to 6 weeks of age in Auburn has tested positive for rabies. Other kittens in the litter are also being tested for rabies. ADPH has been notified that there was another kitten, presumably of the same litter, that was not caught.

The location of the case was in the area of Auburn off East Longleaf Drive within the city limits.

ADPH is identifying all persons who may have been exposed, including the person who brought the kitten into a veterinary clinic and workers at the clinic. Persons who have been exposed are being advised to seek medical care for prevention.

ADPH will distribute flyers in the general vicinity warning people that may have had contact with any of these stray kittens, especially the one that may still be roaming in the area, and reminding them to vaccinate their pets.

According to Dr. Dee W. Jones, State Public Health Veterinarian, "People should use examples such as this to keep their pets vaccinated before occurrences like this happen, because it not only protects the animal, vaccination protects people as well. Rabies positives have been found in both domestic animals and wildlife very close to populated locations."

Alabama state law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older be current with rabies vaccination. Although there are animal rabies vaccines that last for one year or three years, the first rabies vaccination is only good for one year, regardless of which vaccine a pet receives. Vaccinating animals reduces the risk of rabies infection should an exposure occur; thus, vaccinations help protect animals, as well as their owners and caretakers.

Rabies prevention is multifaceted. It involves people taking precautions with wildlife, making sure their pets are current on rabies vaccinations, and always reporting an animal bite or other exposure to their medical provider or ADPH. In addition to vaccination, area residents are advised to take the following precautions to avoid possible exposure to rabies:

· Do not allow pets to run loose; confine them within a fenced-in area or with a leash.

· Do not leave uneaten pet food or scraps near your residence.

· Do not illegally feed or keep wildlife as pets.

· Do not go near wildlife or domestic animals that are acting in a strange or unusual manner.

· Caution children not to go near any stray or wild animal, regardless of its behavior.