ADPH issues rabies warning after kitten tests positive in Auburn

LEE COUNTY, Ala. (WTVM) – A stray kitten tested positive for rabies in Auburn and another possibly exposed kitten may still be roaming the area, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Officials said the case was in the area off East Longleaf Drive within the city limits.

According to officials, they were notified one of the littermates of the kitten infected were not caught. The other littermates are being tested.

The Alabama Department of Public Health is also identifying individuals who may have been exposed, including the person who brought the kitten into the veterinary clinic and workers.

Officials encourage anyone in the vicinity who may have had contact with any of the stray kittens to seek medical care for prevention. They are also advised to take the following precautions to avoid potential exposure:

• 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.

The ADPH is also urging residents to vaccinate their pets.

“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,” said Dr. Dee Jones, the State Public Health Veterinarian.

Officials say Alabama law requires dogs, cats, and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older to be current with rabies vaccination. Click here for more information.

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