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Feral Cat Tests Positive For Rabies After Biting Atlantic County Homeowner

A cat that was taken in by an Atlantic County homeowner and bit the person has tested positive for rabies, officials said.

A young male tabby cat.

A young male tabby cat.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons - Alvesgaspar

The feral cat was taken in by someone living on Bayview Avenue in Pleasantville, according to the Atlantic County Division of Public Health. The cat had the third confirmed case of rabies in the county of 2024.

An animal control officer took the cat from the home on Friday, Mar. 8. A state lab test confirmed the cat had rabies on Thursday, Mar. 14.

Public health officials found five other cats in the home that may also have been exposed to rabies. Those cats were placed into quarantine and the homeowner is receiving post-exposure treatment.

In 2023, Atlantic County confirmed rabies in three raccoons, three bats, two skunks, and one cat.

The county animal shelter has free rabies vaccination clinics for dogs and cats. Appointments must be made online on the shelter's website and you can learn more about protecting against rabies on the county's website

You should report any bites from a potentially infected animal by calling 609-645-5971.

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