Cat In Smithfield Tests Positive For Rabies

State officials announced on Friday that a pet cat in the area of Birch Road in Smithfield, just outside Grenville, has tested positive for rabies.

Veterinarian Scott Marshall of the Department of Environmental Management said in a statement that "there is no verifiable proof that this cat has ever been vaccinated against rabies," and estimated that 20 people and at least one other household pet were exposed to the virus, with 11 of those people given the rabies vaccine.

Marshall also said this case is unique because rabies was found in an owned pet cat who was allowed to roam outside the home.

The state Health Department set up two phone numbers for people to call if they believe they have been in contact with the cat:

• (401) 222-2577 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• (401) 272-5952 if calling after hours or over the weekend.

Local residents with pets who think their animals may have had contact with the cat should call Smithfield Animal Control at (401) 233-1055.

The two state agencies also issued reminders about rabies prevention and treatment:

• Make sure your dogs, cats, and ferrets are properly vaccinated against rabies. It is the law.
• Avoid all contact with stray or free-roaming domestic animals.
• Avoid all contact with wild animals.
• Secure all trash so that animals will not be attracted to it.
• Do not feed animals outdoors as this feeding will attract other animals. This is especially dangerous when feeding large numbers of free-roaming cats.
• Call the Department of Health if you have had any contact with a stray or free roaming domestic animal, or a wild animal.
• Call your local animal control officer if an animal you own has had contact with a stray or free roaming domestic animal, or wild animal.