Rabid cats in Michigan

In Michigan, public health officials are warning citizens that a pet cat tested positive for rabies. Sigh. Another rabid cat? Remember the good ol’ days when dogs were the domestic animal most often tested positive for rabies? These days, cats rule and dogs drool. In fact, cats are 3-4 times more likely to be rabid than dogs. So, another rabid cat, that is not interesting - important, but not too interesting.

What is interesting is examining why cats are now the number one domestic animal testing positive for rabies.

Public health officials in this case in Michigan shared some tips to prevent rabies in pets. These are pretty straight forward and I will paraphrase the big points that you can share with your community::

1. Don’t mess with stray/feral/wild/mean-looking/snarling/hypersalivating/apparently sick/free-roaming or otherwise strange animals.

2. Vaccinate your pets annually or every third year as recommended by your veterinarian and according to your state’s law.

3. Don’t let your pet outside to roam which might increase contact with wildlife and potential for rabies transmission.

Rabies is real and still an issue in the US and worldwide. More than 50,000 CHILDREN avg age 4 yrs-15 yrs die annually from rabies. Rabies is preventable.

Read the story below:

Rabies confirmed in pet cat in Michigan