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Pennsylvania Department of Health Confirms Rabid Cat Found in Columbia County (October 16 2012)
[Source: Pennsylvania Department of Health, full PDF document: (LINK). Edited.]
News for Immediate Release / Oct. 15, 2012
Department of Health Confirms Rabid Cat Found in Columbia County
Harrisburg ? The Department of Health has confirmed a cat in Forks, Columbia County, has tested positive for rabies.
The cat, described as being gray with white markings on its feet, was found Friday, Oct. 12, in the vicinity of Twinbridges Park in Forks, off of Route 487.
The department urges anyone who may have been bitten or exposed to saliva, fluids or tissue from the cat to seek medical attention, and to contact the Columbia County State Health Center, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 570-387-4258.
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 it.
Touching or handling a potentially rabid animal is not considered an exposure unless you have been bitten, scratched, or had saliva, nervous system fluid or other potentially infectious tissue enter an open wound or mucous membrane. Under these circumstances, individuals should seek immediate medical attention.
The department also reminds all residents 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.
For more information, visit www.health.state.pa.us or call 1-877-PA HEALTH.
Media contact: Holli Senior, 717-787-1783
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News for Immediate Release / Oct. 15, 2012
Department of Health Confirms Rabid Cat Found in Columbia County
Harrisburg ? The Department of Health has confirmed a cat in Forks, Columbia County, has tested positive for rabies.
The cat, described as being gray with white markings on its feet, was found Friday, Oct. 12, in the vicinity of Twinbridges Park in Forks, off of Route 487.
The department urges anyone who may have been bitten or exposed to saliva, fluids or tissue from the cat to seek medical attention, and to contact the Columbia County State Health Center, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 570-387-4258.
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 it.
Touching or handling a potentially rabid animal is not considered an exposure unless you have been bitten, scratched, or had saliva, nervous system fluid or other potentially infectious tissue enter an open wound or mucous membrane. Under these circumstances, individuals should seek immediate medical attention.
The department also reminds all residents 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.
For more information, visit www.health.state.pa.us or call 1-877-PA HEALTH.
Media contact: Holli Senior, 717-787-1783
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