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Cat Found In Mahopac Tests Positive For Rabies

Cat owners and lovers are being notified that a cat found in Mahopac on Friday has tested positive for rabies, said officials with the Putnam County Department of Health.

A rabid cat was found in Mahopac on Friday.

A rabid cat was found in Mahopac on Friday.

Photo Credit: Putnam County Health Department/Facebook

The cat, a gray tabby, was found in the area of Tanager Road and Wright Road in Mahopac. The cat was seen earlier in contact with other cats in the area, according to reports.

Since rabies can spread through the saliva of an infected animal, other cats may be infected as well. Any person or pet who may have had physical contact with this cat, or other cats or wild animals in the area, should contact the Health Department immediately at 845-808-1390.

“Rabies is a potentially fatal disease, but the only way to get it is through a bite from a sick animal or saliva in an open wound,” interim Commissioner of Health Dr. Michael Nesheiwat said. “All animal bites or contact with wild animals should be reported promptly to the Department of Health. To reduce your risk for rabies exposure, it’s best to avoid going near wild or stray animals and keep pets up to date on rabies vaccination.”

Ongoing programs to reduce the chance of spreading rabies include the Putnam County Feral Cat Task Force and the health department-sponsored free pet vaccination clinics. 

The next free rabies vaccination clinic will be held Saturday, July 15, at Hubbard Lodge, 2880 Route 9 in Cold Spring, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and is open to all Putnam County residents. Dogs must be leashed and well-controlled, and cats and ferrets must be in a carrier.

Please bring photo ID as proof of Putnam County residency, as well as written proof of prior rabies vaccination. Tags are not acceptable. If you do not have a written certificate documenting prior rabies vaccination, your pet will receive a one-year rabies vaccine. An animal information/release form will be available and can be completed at the clinic site. For more information and directions, call 845-808-1390 ext. 43127.

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