{"id":1603,"date":"2022-07-09T01:58:31","date_gmt":"2022-07-09T08:58:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.inedc.com\/22\/?p=1603"},"modified":"2022-07-09T01:58:31","modified_gmt":"2022-07-09T08:58:31","slug":"animal-services-identified-domestic-cat-with-rabies-in-past-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.inedc.com\/22\/07\/09\/animal-services-identified-domestic-cat-with-rabies-in-past-week\/","title":{"rendered":"Animal Services Identified Domestic Cat with Rabies in Past Week"},"content":{"rendered":"
EDC Animal Services<\/pre>\n
(PLACERVILLE, CALIFORNIA) July 8, 2022 \u2014 El Dorado County Animal Services is reminding residents to keep pets current on rabies vaccines and immediately notify Animal Services of any animal bite to a human or pet. This past week, Animal Services identified a family pet, a domestic cat that tested positive for rabies. “While we do not often see cats, dogs and other domestic animals with rabies due to strong local rabies vaccination programs, it’s important to emphasize that any mammal can be exposed,” said El Dorado County Animal Services Chief, Henry Brzezinski. “Rabies can be fatal to both animals and humans, so keeping pets current on rabies vaccinations, including cats, dogs and livestock, is critical.”<\/p>\n
According to Brzezinski, the cat did not have a rabies vaccination and is believed to have been exposed while roaming outside of its residence on the 4700 block of Viking Road in Greenwood in mid-June 2022. Animal Services has identified rabid skunks in the Greenwood area in the past and most recently identified a rabid skunk near the family’s home in mid-May 2022, when the family’s dog had contact with the skunk. (The dog wasn’t current on its rabies vaccine, so he was vaccinated, and is being quarantined for six months at home in a double enclosure. He is currently showing no signs of illness.) When the cat suddenly passed away at home, the owners took it to the veterinarian who then suggested the cat be tested for rabies given the recently identified rabid skunk near the home. The family and veterinarian’s office consulted with Animal Services on any other actions needed regarding their potential exposure.<\/p>\n
Rabies is endemic in all 58 counties in California, including El Dorado County.<\/p>\n
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Marye Audet, Reviewed by Vet Clare Deming, DVM<\/p>\n
Rabies Symptoms in Cats (Don\u2019t Ignore These Signs)<\/h1>\n
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It’s important to be alert for the signs of rabies in cats, especially if your kitty has recently been bitten by a wild animal or an unknown cat or dog. Rabies is a deadly virus spread via the saliva when an infected animal bites. Knowing its stages and signs can help you keep from putting your family at risk.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Stages of Feline Rabies<\/h2>\n
According to the\u00a0Centers for Disease Control<\/a>\u00a0(CDC), cats are the most reported domestic animal to be diagnosed with rabies. Each stage of rabies in cats has certain behaviors and symptoms associated with it. Knowing the classic symptoms of each stage will help you recognize the disease. If you suspect your\u00a0pet may have rabies<\/a>, take it to your vet immediately.<\/p>\n
VCA Hospitals notes there are\u00a0three stages<\/a>\u00a0of rabies, which can be identified by their symptoms.<\/p>\n
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Prodromal Phase<\/h3>\n
The first stage of rabies is called the Prodromal phase, which lasts for one to three days. The\u00a0Merck Veterinary Manual<\/a>\u00a0states symptoms may be hard to identify at first, but generally take less than 21 days to 80 days to set in, with symptoms worsening quickly. The first symptoms may include:<\/p>\n