Rabid Cat In Harford County Prompts Alert From Health Department

DARLINGTON, MD — A feral cat in the Darlington-Dublin area has tested positive for rabies, according to the Harford County Health Department. The positive test result was confirmed Tuesday, Sept. 15, officials reported Wednesday.

The cat was found in the 3300 block of Hughes Road, according to health officials, who said the animal may have traveled and exposed other people and pets to rabies.

Anyone who may have had contact with a feral cat or whose pets may have had contact with a feral cat between Sept. 1 and Sept. 13 should call the Harford County Health Department at 410-612-1774 so that health officials can conduct a rabies risk assessment.

Rabies is a viral disease most commonly transmitted through a bite from an infected animal.

Animals with rabies may act normally during the early stages of the disease. As the sickness progresses, wild animals may act docile/sociable, and domestic animals may become aggressive.

Once rabies takes hold, animals may stagger, drool or become paralyzed.

People who may have had exposure to the feral cat (e.g., been bitten, scratched or licked) should get immediate medical attention from their health care provider or emergency room.

So far, 195 animals in the state have tested positive for rabies this year, according to the Maryland Department of Health, which reports 25 have been cats. Raccoons account for 124 of the rabies cases.

Harford County has seen 15 cases so far this year: eight raccoons, four bats, two foxes and one cat.