Domestic Kitten Determined to Have Rabies

A rabies alert by the Westchester County Department of Health has been issued for residents in the area of Mount Pleasant and Briarcliff Manor who may have come into contact with a black kitten in the area before yesterday.

According to a statement from the county, the short-haired domesticated kitten was picked up by a party in the area of Saw Mill River Road/Route 110 South to Route 9A North in Mount Pleasant, near the border of Briarcliff Manor on Tuesday.

The kitten was taken to a veterinarian yesterday and test results confirmed today the kitten is rabid.

“Anyone who believes that they or a pet may have had contact with this cat should contact the Westchester County Department of Health immediately at (914) 813-5000 to assess the need for rabies treatment,” said Westchester County Acting Commissioner of Health, Dr. Cheryl Archbald. “Anyone bitten by a rabid animal, or having contact with its saliva, may need to receive immediate rabies vaccination.”

There have been a series of rabid animals in the area this season, including , and earlier this week, .

Unusually tame or aggressive animals might be rabid, as are those who "lose fear of people and become excited and irritable, or, conversely appear particularly passive and lethargic. Staggering and frothing at the mouth are sometimes noted," the statement reads.

The Dept. of Health says residents should not contact any wild or stray animals and report any animal bites or contact with animals that might be rabid to the county.

Pets should also be kept up to date on their rabies vaccinations (dogs, cats and ferrets).

Information about rabies and its prevention can be found on the Health Department’s website at www.westchestergov.com/health. Residents can also call the RABIES INFOLINE at (914) 813-5010 to listen to a taped message.