JAMESTOWN — The Chautauqua County Health Department has confirmed that two feral or stray cats in the City of Jamestown have died from the rabies virus. No other cats have been identified as having rabies and currently the Health Department has no other open investigations of potentially rabid cats.

The first cat was found with wounds from an animal fight. A resident took the cat into their home to try to let it heal. The cat was kept separate from other animals in the home. After nearly 2 weeks, the cat began acting strangely and eventually died in the home. The residents who interacted with the cat were not bitten or scratched.

The second cat was found in poor health by a resident who frequently feeds feral cats. The cat was taken into the home and died while in the home. The resident was scratched by the cat and was treated with rabies post exposure prophylaxis.

“These incidents should serve as a reminder to residents to take precautions around feral or stray animals and that animal rabies is a serious public health concern and continues to be present in Chautauqua County,” said Jessica Wuerstle, County Director of Environmental Health Services.

Animals, such as feral or stray cats, that are not current on their rabies vaccine are at risk. Only mammals can transmit the rabies virus, so animals like birds, snakes, and fish do not pose a risk for rabies.

If you have questions about a possible rabies exposure, please call the Chautauqua County Health Department at 716-753-4481. For more information on rabies and to find the next available free rabies vaccine clinic in Chautauqua County visit: HealthyCHQ.com/rabies