A Wichita woman has begun treatment for rabies after she was bitten last week. It happened in the 1100 block of South Inverness, when the stray kitten she had been feeding, bit her on the foot.
The woman reported the incident to Animal Control, who found the animal, only to discover there were obvious problems with the kitten. The animal had to be euthanized and city officials found that it tested positive for rabies.
Animal services workers went door to door in the neighborhood near Lincoln and Woodlawn to remind residents to update their pet’s rabies shots. Officials warn that if you own a dog or cat that has not been vaccinated, you are putting your health and the health of the community at risk.
A rabies vaccination will protect your pets from contracting the disease. Humans can catch the virus by coming into contact with infected dogs, cats or ferrets, as well as other types of wild animals.
In 2009 seven animals, that include one cat, one dog and five skunks have tested positive for rabies in the city limits. Rabies symptoms in animals can include a change in their normal behavior, loss of appetite, and unusual biting behavior.
To report an animal, should your pet come in contact with another wild animal such as a skunk, call Wichita Animal Services at (316) 268-8356. Outside the city limits call Sedgwick County Animal Control at (316) 660-7070.
Comments