Health department officials along the shoreline have issued a health alert after a stray kitten found in East Haven tested positive for rabies.
The stray was found on July 9 in the area of North High Street and Mill Street, according to Michael Pascucilla, director of health for the East Shore District Health Department, which serves Branford, North Branford and East Haven.
Officials are calling the case an isolated incident but are asking residents to be alert. Wild animals come into contact with people and their pets more often during the summer months, so residents should take all possible precautions, including the following:
- Vaccinate pets.
- Keep pets inside at night.
- Don't attract wild animals. Avoid putting out bird seed or feeding pets outside.
- Don't feed or touch wild animals or strays.
- Call a wildlife control expert if wild animals are living in or around your home.
- Teach children to be aware and respectful of wildlife.
- Do not engage wild animals that wander onto your property.
- Report all bites and/or contact with wild animals to your health department.
- Wash all bites and contact your health care provider immediately.
Anyone who has spotted stray cats or come into contact with them is urged to call the East Shore District Health Department at 203-481-4233 or East Haven Animal Control at 203-468-3249 immediately.
You can learn more about rabies by calling the Centers for Disease Control at 1-800- CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or visiting www.cdc.gov/rabies. Shoreline residents can contact the ESDHD at 203-481-4233 or go to www.ESDHD.org.
