A feral cat was under a car on Dietz Road, Wilmot Township, Bradford County.
The owner went to get inside the car and the cat jumped out from under the car and bit her on the leg and arm. The owner’s daughter got bit on the arm while attempting to help her mother. The cat tested positive for rabies at the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory in Harrisburg.
There are no confirmed cases of domestic animals that were exposed to the cat. Two people are receiving rabies prophylaxis.
Pennsylvania law requires all dogs and non-feral cats to be vaccinated against rabies within 4 weeks after the date the dog or cat attains 12 weeks of age. Unless otherwise indicated by the directions of the vaccine manufacturer a booster vaccination shall be administered between 12 and 14 months from the date of the initial vaccination. The animal shall then be subsequently revaccinated on an ongoing basis in accordance with the directions of the vaccine manufacturer. Failure to comply with the law may result in a fine of up to $300.
For more information, visit www.agriculture.pa.gov. Click on “protect,” “animal diagnostic services” and then “rabies.”