Rabid Cat Confirmed in Yorktown Heights

Have you seen a stray cat with short hair that was solid black in color near the main entrance of the in Yorktown?

The Westchester County Department of Health issued a rabies alert today to residents who may have had contact with the cat prior to Tuesday, June 7.

Tuesday morning, officials captured the cat, which was observed acting aggressively near the main entrance, and submitted for rabies testing. Test results confirmed the cat was rabid, officials said. 

Anyone who believes they or a pet may have been in contact with this cat, should contact the Westchester County Department of Health immediately at (914) 813-5000 to assess the need for rabies treatment. 

"Anyone bitten by a rabid animal, or having contact with its saliva, may need to receive immediate rabies vaccination," said Westchester County Acting Commissioner of Health, Dr. Cheryl Archbald.

Unusual behavior may be the first sign of rabies in an animal. A rabid animal may become either abnormally aggressive or unusually tame. It may lose fear of people and become excited and irritable, or, conversely appear particularly passive and lethargic, the health department warned. 

Staggering and frothing at the mouth are sometimes noted. 

People should avoid direct contact with wild or stray animals, even baby animals. Parents should teach children not to touch unfamiliar animals and to immediately tell an adult if they have been bitten or scratched by an animal. Any physical contact with a wild or unfamiliar animal should be reported to a health care provider.

All animal bites or contacts with animals suspected of having rabies must be reported to the Westchester County Department of Health 24 hours a day.

Keeping pet rabies vaccinations up to date is also important for protection against rabies. New York State law requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies and receive regular booster shots.

June is Rabies Awareness Month in New York State and the Health Department is encouraging residents to educate themselves about the virus. Information about rabies and its prevention can be found on the Health Department’s website. Residents can also call the RABIES INFO LINE at (914) 813- 5010 to listen to a taped message.