ADPH confirms kitten with rabies in Autauga County

A kitten that was found dead in Autauga County was confirmed to have rabies on Dec. 22 by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). 

According to a statement from ADPH the kitten was located at a residence in south central Autauga County on County Road 46.

The residence took in a group of kittens when one was found to be displaying neurological signs and was taken to a veterinarian. After it died it was tested and found positive. 

The other kittens have been vaccinated and are being quarantined. 

Those in the household were advised by the ADPH to seek medical care to prevent possible transmission. State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Dee W. Jones urged the public to get their pets vaccinated.

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“This is another reminder to get your pets vaccinated against rabies regardless of where you live," he said. "We have found rabies positives in both domestic animals and wildlife very close to populated locations.”

ADPH cites a state law that requires dogs, cats and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older be vaccinated against the virus. Vaccinations are effective for one year and so it is recommended to have them vaccinated regularly. 

ADPH advises the following: 

• Do not allow pets to run loose; confine them within a fenced-in area or with a leash.
• Do not leave uneaten pet food or scraps near your residence.
• Do not illegally feed or keep wildlife as pets.
• Do not go near wildlife or domestic animals that are acting in a strange or unusual manner.
• Caution children not to go near any stray or wild animal, regardless of its behavior.