UPDATE: Cat tests positive for bat rabies in Monterey

UPDATE 7/24/15: A rabid cat recently reported in Monterey tested positive for bat rabies this week, according to the Monterey County Health Department.

Health officers said bats and skunks are commonly infected with rabies and are warning residents to protect their animals through vaccinations.

PREVIOUS STORY: On July 2, a cat owned by a person who lives within the City of Monterey tested positive for rabies. The Health Department is conducting an investigation to ensure that all people and animals potentially exposed to the rabid cat receive appropriate treatment to prevent rabies.

This is the second laboratory-confirmed case of rabies in a domestic animal in Monterey County within the last three years. In 2012, a dog from the North Monterey County area was infected with a skunk variant of rabies. Prior to 2012, rabies had not been diagnosed in domestic animals in Monterey County for at least 30 years.

The Monterey County Health Department is reminding residents about the continuous public health threat presented by rabid animals in our communities. Rabies is continuously present in certain species of wildlife in California, particularly skunks and bats.

Rabies can be prevented through vaccination. Once symptoms of rabies occur, there is no treatment and the disease is nearly 100% fatal in both humans and animals.

At this time the Health Department recommends:

Pet owners should make sure their dogs and cats are current on their rabies vaccinations.

Owners should not leave their pets outside unattended, particularly at dawn and dusk when wildlife can be most active.

Owners of domestic livestock species such as horses, sheep, goats, pigs and cattle should discuss rabies vaccinations with their veterinarian as these species are also susceptible to rabies infections from rabid wild animals.

Residents should avoid leaving pet food and water outside because it encourages wildlife activity around the home.

People should avoid contact with wildlife, particularly skunks and bats. Do not touch or approach animals acting strangely. If any wild animals are found dead, acting abnormally or ill, people should call Monterey County Animal Services at (831) 769 8850 or their local animal control agency.