New Rochelle and Westchester County Department of Health officials have issued a rabies alert to residents who may have had contact with a rabid cat near the vicinity of Kress Avenue at the intersection of Webster and Lincoln Avenue. The health department used robo-calls to notify residents who live within a half-mile of the area where the cat was found.
This cat was red and had been acting aggressively towards other animals and humans. The health department is concerned because there are stray cats in the area, who may have come into contact with this rabid cat.
Anyone who believes that they or a pet may have had contact with the rabid cat should contact the Westchester County Department of Health immediately at (914) 813-5000 to assess the need for rabies treatment. A rabid animal may become either abnormally aggressive or unusually tame. It may 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.
Physical contact with a wild or unfamiliar animal should be reported to a health care provider. Any animal bites or possible contact with any animals suspected of having rabies must be reported to the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000, 24 hours a day.
Keeping pet rabies vaccinations up to date is also important for protection against rabies. New York State law requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies and receive regular booster shots. For more information, go to www.westchestergov.com/health or call the RABIES INFOLINE at (914) 813-5010.