Montgomery County, PA

Stray Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Montgomery County, PA

NORRISTOWN, PA—(July 13, 2004)— The Montgomery County Health Department received confirmation that a stray cat found in the vicinity of Fitzwatertown Rd and Route 611, Upper Moreland Township, Montgomery County tested positive for rabies. The cat was collected on July 12, 2004, was sent to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Laboratories and tested positive on July 12, 2004.
The stray cat was located in a wooded area along Fitzwatertown Road. While attempting to capture the stray cat, an Abington Township resident was bitten. All human exposures to the cat have been identified and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) was recommended. Upper Moreland Township Animal Control has been notified of the situation and will be setting traps to remove strays from the area.
Since, January 2004, the Montgomery County Health Department has received reports of 10 positive Animal Rabies cases in Montgomery County - 7 raccoons (Lower Salford Township (2), Skippack Township (1), Lower Providence Township (1), New Hanover Township (1), Limerick Township (1), Upper Salford Township (1), and 1 bat (Lower Merion Township), and 2 cats (Upper Moreland Township).
All residents of Montgomery County, especially those where rabid animals have been found, should be warned not to befriend any wild or stray animals, particularly raccoons. Residents are requested to report any contact with stray or wild animals to the Montgomery County Health Department at (610) 278-5117.
Vaccinating domestic animals, e.g. dogs, cats and ferrets, is an important way to prevent Rabies transmission from wildlife animal reservoirs to the human population. The Montgomery County Public Health Code requires that all cats and dogs three months of age and older must be vaccinated against Rabies.
Persons with questions about vaccination for their pets are referred to their veterinarian.

For Information Contact:
Brandi Chawaga
(610) 278 –5117 ext 6766
bchawaga@mail.montcopa.org