Cat Found Near Sudley Road Tests Positive for Rabies

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A cat found on Friday in the northern end of Prince William County tested positive for rabies, according to media reports.

The cat was found near the intersection of Sudley Road (Route 234) and Shelter Lane, WUSA-TV Channel 9 reported. The site is in the Woolsey area, where Sudley Road meets Route 15 several miles north of Haymarket and Interstate 66.

The cat had gray fur with a tan or white spot over its left eye. The Prince William Health District is advising anyone who may have come in contact with a cat acting abnormally in or around that area to call 703-792-5363, or the Prince William Animal Control Division at 703-792-6500.

The Prince William Health Distric released the following information about rabies:

Rabies is a deadly disease that attacks the nervous system. Rabies can be prevented in animals with a rabies vaccination. It kills almost any mammal or human that gets sick from it.

Rabies is mainly found in the saliva and brain tissue of rabid animals and can be transmitted through a bite or by getting saliva or brain tissue in a wound or in the eye or mouth.

Here are some steps to help protect against rabies exposure:

• Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
• Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies.
• Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
• Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals.
• Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight-fitting lids.