Rabies alert: Kansas warns pet owners

By Scout Nelson

The Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment have issued a public alert about the health risks posed by unvaccinated animals after a second rabies case was confirmed in a cat within two weeks.

Both cases, reported in Jewell County and Harvey County, involved outdoor cats that exposed multiple humans and other animals to the virus. The exposed individuals have started post-exposure prophylaxis, a series of vaccinations that prevents rabies in humans.

Rabies is a viral disease that spreads through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. This year, Kansas has reported six positive rabies cases in cats, along with several cases in wildlife. The two most recent cases involved unvaccinated barn cats.

"Rabies is not unusual in the wildlife population, and unfortunately, this often means domestic animals that roam freely can be exposed to the virus," said Animal Health Commissioner Justin Smith. He emphasized the importance of vaccinating domestic animals, especially those that have close contact with humans, to prevent the spread of the virus. "Vaccinating pets and livestock against the virus protect both animal health and human health."

Even indoor animals should have up-to-date vaccinations as they could be exposed to rabid wildlife or stray animals. Barn cats, which are often at risk due to their outdoor environment, should especially be vaccinated to protect them from rabies.

Many Kansas communities have rabies vaccination requirements, and pet owners are encouraged to contact their veterinarians to ensure compliance. Rabies attacks the brain and spinal cord, and while symptoms may take weeks or months to appear, early treatment can prevent the disease in both humans and vaccinated pets. The rabies vaccine is highly effective.

If you notice unusual behavior in your pet or believe they’ve encounter raid wildlife, seek immediate veterinary care. Veterinarians are also urged to consider rabies in animals displaying neurological symptoms and report positive rabies tests to the Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health.

To reduce the spread of rabies, it is important to teach children to be cautious around animals, especially wild ones, keep pet vaccinations up to date, and seek medical attention for any animal bites or scratches.

Photo Credits:kansas-department-of-agriculture