whew! thats what I get for complaining about skunks

[sheila and Misty]

for example-the last couple of days there had been a rabid cat on the loose in our area- the animal control department notified everyone in bethel-now today they called us back- said the cat was captured and tested the test confirmed that it was positive for rabies and that anyone having contact with the cat or if our pets start acting odd to report it..

scarey!

Thing is what if it cut through our yards-couldnt our pets pick it up in say saliva or feces? Im a bit worried. should I be?

[jimnconnie]

That is scary, but I think it would pretty much take direct contact for an animal, or person, to be infected. As long as Misty is current on her rabies vaccine, and I'm sure she is, I don't think you have anything to worry about. It sounds like your animal control department was on top of the situation with giving you a warning and then the all-clear.

[Chris's Desta]

I too think that most rabies is transmitted by bites, so I'm sure you would have noticed if Misty had gotten into a scrap. Statistically, skunks would have a much higher chance of carrying/contracting rabies....so keep an eye on Misty, but keep an even closer eye on that skunk that's been coming around.

[sheila and Misty]

Thanks! and no I can watch her everywhere in our backyard its a good size but shes always visible -ah except for the space behind the shed but its nothing more than a 2foot wide stone pathand the whole underneath the shed has blocks around it -small animals can get iunder and out but she cant get to them. I was just worried about saliva or fecal contact-were good.

[Chris's Desta]

A member of the Corgi forums just posted this link to another rabid cat story in PA. I don't think it's in your area, Sheila (this one was closer to Pittsburgh). I'm posting the article link because it does say that rabies can be transferred without a bite. I looked up a little more info on the CDC website. I guess if you are in contact with a rabid animal and get their saliva in your eyes, nose, mouth or open sore then rabies can be contracted.

http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/health...516/detail.html

[sheila and Misty]

A member of the Corgi forums just posted this link to another rabid cat story in PA. I don't think it's in your area, Sheila (this one was closer to Pittsburgh). I'm posting the article link because it does say that rabies can be transferred without a bite. I looked up a little more info on the CDC website. I guess if you are in contact with a rabid animal and get their saliva in your eyes, nose, mouth or open sore then rabies can be contracted.

http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/health...516/detail.html

Thank you -your right Im about 30 min from town That makes sense but I believe were ok here now -thanks for the info.