Stray cat found rabid near Shady Grove

A case of rabies in a stray cat has been confirmed in Antrim Township.

The black adult cat was found on Flower Drive in the Shady Grove area and reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Health Nov. 19. On Monday, Nov. 22 the department confirmed that the animal had tested positive for rabies.

The Flower Drive area is just west of Shady Grove off Ridge Road near Route 16.

The department is urging anyone who might have come into contact with the cat to contact them. Anyone who may have been bitten or exposed to saliva, fluids or tissue from this stray cat should contact the Franklin County State Health Center, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 263-4143. Residents can also call 1-877-PA HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) at any time.

Anyone with a pet that may have come in contact with the rabid cat should contact a veterinarian for information about how to protect the animal as well as family members.

Touching or handling a potentially rabid animal is not considered exposure unless you have been bitten, scratched or had saliva, nervous system fluid or tissue enter an open wound. Exposure also can occur if people had contact with the rabid animal’s mucous membranes by touching the animal’s eye, mouth or nose. Under these circumstances, individuals should seek immediate medical attention.

The department also reminds people that they should avoid contact with feral animals of any kind as it can be difficult to tell whether or not the animal is rabid. All animals that can be vaccinated — cats, dogs and ferrets — should be given the vaccine to protect them in case they are ever exposed to a rabid animal.