The Frederick County Health Department (FCHD) announced Friday that a stray kitten found near Loys Station Park on Old Frederick Road in Rocky Ridge tested positive for rabies.
The kitten, described as a 6- to 7-week-old black-and-white tuxedo kitten with a white mark on its head, was collected by Frederick County Animal Control on Thursday, October 1, after displaying aggressive behavior. Health officials were notified of the positive rabies test on Friday, October 2.
Anyone who may have had contact with the kitten between September 17 and October 1 is advised to contact their health care provider and the FCHD Community Health Services Office at 301-600-3342. Anyone whose pets or livestock may have had contact with the kitten should contact a veterinarian and the FCHD Environmental Health Office at 301-600-1717.
Rabies is spread through the saliva of infected animals, typically through a bite, and can be fatal to humans if post-exposure treatment is not received in a timely manner. Health officials are reminding residents to avoid contact with stray or wild animals and keep pets up to date on rabies vaccinations.
FCHD will hold a rabies vaccination clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets on Sunday, October 4, from 2 to 4:30pm at Thurmont Community Park.
