A rescue cat in Wedowee tested positive for rabies, causing concern for those exposed, including staff at a veterinary hospital.
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) confirmed the cat was positive for rabies on February 23. Several people had been exposed after the owner sought veterinary care multiple times over the past two weeks. The cat developed neurological symptoms and extreme aggressiveness and had to be euthanized.
The ADPH is now investigating and identifying exposed individuals. Some are already undergoing rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.
“This is a bad situation, but thankfully, the local veterinarians were quick to recommend testing, which ultimately has reduced the risk of even more exposure to others and other animals at the rescue,” said State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Dee W. Jones.
The ADPH is urging people to keep their pets vaccinated against rabies after a cat in Randolph County tested positive for rabies.
Alabama state law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older be current with rabies vaccination.
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