Officials: Stray cat in Ross Township tests positive for rabies
A stray cat in Ross Township has tested positive for rabies, Allegheny County Health Department officials announced Thursday.
They said the cat was found on Hetherton Drive and was recently brought to the department’s laboratory.
Rabies is a virus transmitted to humans by an animal bite or scratch.
Officials said it’s almost always fatal when exposures are left untreated.
Anyone who is bitten, scratched or otherwise exposed to saliva from an animal should immediately cleanse the contact area with soap and water, seek emergency medical treatment and call ACHD at 412-687-2243 to report the incident.
County residents are reminded to watch for unusual behavior in animals, and if any animal appears to be acting strange or becomes threatening, call your local animal control service, police or the state Game Commission immediately.
Pet owners should also make sure their animals are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
County officials said 11 animals have tested positive for rabies so far this year including five raccoons, three bats, two cats, and a groundhog.
Michael DiVittorio is a TribLive reporter covering general news in Western Pennsylvania, with a penchant for festivals and food. He can be reached at mdivittorio@triblive.com.
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