STAFFORD COUNTYSHERIFF'S OFFICE
NEWS RELEASE

RABID CAT REPORTED

Stafford, Va. The Stafford County Sheriff's Office is reporting that a cat with rabies has been confirmed in the 700 block area of Brooke Road in Stafford County.

On Friday, July 12, 2013 a resident from the 700 block of Brooke Road brought in a stray cat to the Stafford County Animal Shelter, which had bitten a family member. The cat was placed in quarantine and a bite report was taken and sent to the Health Department. On the morning of July 15, 2013 the cat was found deceased in the quarantine room which again was reported immediately to the Health Department. The cat was collected on the afternoon of the 15th by the Health department and was sent to the lab for rabies testing.

The Animal Shelter received a report on July 17, 2013 stating that the cat tested positive for rabies. To this date, the same resident has turned in eight additional cats which are currently being quarantined. Animal Control Officers have set traps to catch the three remaining cats from the feral colony.

Citizens are reminded to not approach or try to catch stray or wild animals. This message should be shared with children especially during the summer vacation period.

Animal owners should always maintain the appropriate vaccinations for their animals and, if possible, keep animals confined to the premises to avoid the threat of rabies.