Cherry Valley Cat Tests Positive for Rabies

CHERRY VALLEY—The Otsego County Department of Health reports that a cat tested positive for rabies in the Village of Cherry Valley on Tuesday, October 24. This cat belonged to a feral cat colony on Montgomery Street in the village. The chance of rabies in other cats in the colony is very high. Anyone who may have had contact with any stray cats in this area are urged to call the Health Department at (607) 547-4230 or call (607) 547-1697 after 4:30 p.m. or on weekends. Rabies is a fatal viral infection that can be transmitted through the bite of an infected animal or contact with saliva to broken skin or mucus membranes. The public is cautioned to stay away from any stray or wild animals and instruct their children to do so also. It is New York State law that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated for rabies. Unvaccinated pets in contact with wildlife that is suspected or confirmed to be rabid must be either euthanized or strictly quarantined at the owner’s expense for six months. All Otsego County residents are encouraged to call the Health Department at (607) 547-4230 or visit the website at www.otsegocounty.com for information regarding rabies.