
Rabid Cat Found in Weld County; One Person Bitten
The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment issued a press release on Friday afternoon (June 15, 2018) pertaining to a rabid cat being found near Ault. The CSU Diagnostics Lab confirmed that the cat did indeed have rabies, which turned out to be bad news for the person that the cat had bitten. That person immediately began post-exposure treatment.
Outdoor cats easily contract rabies from wild animals. The health department reminds citizens to get their cats, dogs, and livestock immunized against rabies. If a person thinks that may have contracted rabies they should contact their health provider immediately, as medicine is available to prevent rabies if begun before symptoms appear.
Tips on preventing and reducing exposure to rabies:
- Do not feed, touch, or handle wild animals and be cautious of stray dogs and cats
- Have dogs, cats, horses, and livestock vaccinated regularly by a licensed veterinarian
- Do not feed wild animals or keep pet food outside, which may attract wild animals
- Do not handle unfamiliar animals, including cats and dogs, even if they appear friendly
- Keep pets indoors or, while outside, supervised on a leash
- Spay or neuter pets to reduce the number of unwanted or stray animals in the neighborhood and to reduce their tendency to roam or fight
The Humane Society of Weld County has low-cost vaccination clinics on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month from 1:30-3:30 PM. For more, visit: https://www.weldcountyhumane.org/veterinary-services
For a 2018 interactive map of identified rabies in Weld County, visit: https://www.weldgov.com/departments/health_and_environment/environmental_health/animal_related_diseases/rabies_surveillance/
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