Feral Cat in New Britain Tests Positive for Rabies

New Britain health officials have issued a warning after a deceased feral cat found in the Belvedere neighborhood tested positive for rabies.

The New Britain Health Department said the animal came into contact with several humans in the neighborhood, in the areas of Stanley Street and Marlin Road. The animal tested positive on April 2.

Residents in the area had previously been warned to be on the lookout after a rabid cat attacked at least five people. Any residents who encountered the animal should check with a doctor for treatment.

Tom Barrett, who lives in the neighborhood, was one of the people attacked by a feral cat.

"All I did was walk on the deck and the cat, I don’t know where it came from but first of all caught me up here which didn’t draw blood but on my leg it did draw blood," Barrett said.

Rabies is commonly spread by wild animals but stray cats and dogs may also become infected. Rabies can spread from a bite or scratch from an infected animal, or contact with an infected animal’s saliva. Humans and pets can all be at risk. Health officials encouraged residents to take precautions against rabies infection by avoiding wild or unfamiliar animals, and ensuring pets are up to date on rabies shots.

Rabies has a 100 percent fatality rate if left untreated, and cannot be cured once symptoms appear.

Health officials suggested the following tips to reduce the risk of an encounter with any wild or infected animals:

Discourage wild animal foraging by not leaving pet food or other food outside and by securing garbage cans. Do not feed strays.
Avoid feeding, touching or housing stray or wild animals. If you see an animal that is sick, injured, dead, orphaned or behaving oddly, leave it alone and contact New Britain Police Department, Animal Control Division, at the number below - do not try to handle the animal yourself.
Pets should be kept on leash and observed at all times when outdoors. Outdoor food and water stations for pets should be removed immediately after use; excess food should never be left unattended.

Anyone who may have been exposed to rabies should immediately clean the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention. Anyone with questions can contact the New Britain Health Department at 860-612-1611.