Cat sheltered at Bismarck Animal Impound tests positive for rabies

The North Dakota Department of Health and the State Veterinarian’s Office are alerting the public that a cat that was sheltered at the Bismarck Animal Impound has tested positive for rabies. The female cat, a small black cat with golden eyes, was found on Sioux Avenue in Bismarck and was picked up by Bismarck animal control officers on Jan. 9 from an unknown person. The cat was taken to the Bismarck Animal Impound and held there until Jan. 12.

The cat was potentially infectious with rabies starting on Dec. 30, 2012. People who may have been bitten or otherwise exposed to the saliva of this cat since Dec. 30 and later are asked to call the North Dakota Department of Health at 701-328-2378 and press 1 when they get the recording. Especially of interest are individuals who may have been in contact with the animal from Dec. 30, 2012, to Jan. 9, 2013, and members of the public who may have had contact with the cat while at the animal impound facility.

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. Rabies can be prevented by giving people rabies vaccine after exposures.

Tags: rabies vaccination, news, updates, bismarck, rabies