Health Department says cat in Jamestown had rabies

The North Dakota Department of Health and Board of Animal Health are

asking the public for assistance in identifying people who may have been exposed to a rabid cat in Jamestown.

The cat was found on Nov. 30 by local animal control authorities close to the Tesoro gas station at 2015 Eighth Ave. SW in Jamestown. The adult female cat was an orange and white tabby with long hair and was declawed. The cat tested positive for rabies at the North Dakota Department of Health’s Division of Laboratory Services on Dec. 6.

It is not known who owned the cat, or if the cat was from Jamestown or dropped off there, the Health Department said.

Anybody missing a cat matching the description or who may have information about this cat should contact the North Dakota Department of Health. Pet owners who believe one of their pets may have been exposed to the rabid cat should contact their local veterinarian or the state veterinarian’s office.

Anybody who was bitten or otherwise exposed to the saliva of this animal should contact his or her health care provider and the North Dakota Department of Health immediately to determine the need to receive preventive treatment for rabies.

Rabies is a viral infection that affects mammals, including people. It can be transmitted through bites and saliva exposure to open cuts and wounds or saliva contact with mucous membranes such as the eyes or mouth. The virus causes swelling of the brain and is almost always fatal, the Health Department said.

Rabies can be prevented by giving people rabies vaccine after exposures. Treatment should begin as soon as possible after exposure.

For more information, contact the North Dakota Department of Health at 1-800-472-2180 or the State Veterinarian’s Office at 701-328-2655.

Tags: nd news, news, updates, rabies, health