According to information obtained from the Cass County Mo. Health Department, a kitten was found in Peculiar, Mo a few weeks ago that tested positive for rabies. Officials are urging anyone in the area who might have had contact with a calico kitten in the area of 227th Street and Knight Terrace in Peculiar, to see your doctor immediately.
Rabies has become somewhat uncommon, especially in domestic animals- but in any case creates much concern for humans. The virus is typically transmitted during a bite and during the onset cause fever, chills and muscle pain. If untreated, the individual will become very ill and die from its affect on internal organs.
Some tips offered to help prevent rabies:
• Ensure dogs, cats, and ferrets are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations. The effectiveness of animal vaccines is the main reason for the nationwide decline in rabies cases among people and domestic animals.
• Keep pets under control; do not allow them to run loose.
• Avoid contact with stray pets and wild animals; do not keep wild animals as pets.
• Report wild animals exhibiting unusual behavior or stray pets to law enforcement officials.
• Personal pets should not be handled without protection directly after being exposed to wildlife due to the potential for carrying residual saliva from the infected animal.
If you have questions or concerns, call the Cass County Health Department at 816-380-8425 or visit http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/
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