Rabies Alert Given

The Herkimer County Public Health received results April 24 that a cat from the Town of Litchfield has tested positive for rabies.

The cat passed away and was sent for testing at Wadsworth State Labs by Public Health.

The public can protect itself and family pets from rabies by practicing the following:

1. Vaccinate your pets against rabies.

2. Spay or neuter all pets to reduce the number of strays.

3. Do not feed strays or handle unknown animals, wild or domestic. Remind children and adults not to play with unknown animals (wild or domestic).

Herkimer County Public Health would like to remind the public to please check pets’ rabies vaccination records to make sure that they are up to date.

If they are not up to date, make an appointment with their vet or Public Health as soon as possible to have them vaccinated against rabies.

Remember, pets of all ages can contract rabies, even if they live strictly indoors.

If a bat is found in your home, do not let it go, and call Public Health for guidance.

If there is a possibility it had contact with a person or an animal in the house, call Public Health to make arrangements to have the bat tested.

Please call Public Health at 315-867-1176 if you have any questions, or concerns or visit www.herkimercounty.org