From Dr Tina Stefanski of Acadian Region of PUBLIC HEALTH

First Case of RABIES in Cats in Decades.

In January 2010, the Office of Public confirmed rabies in a cat in Iberia Parish. This was the first case of rabies in a cat in several decades. The victim noticed the cat in his horse barn and was bitten initially while attempting to remove the cat from the premises and was bitten again later when the cat returned to the property. The cat later died and the victim transported the animal to a local veterinarian, who later had the cat tested in the Louisiana Office of Public Health (OPH) Laboratory in Lake Charles where the animal tested positive for rabies. The victim is receiving post exposure prophylaxis for rabies.

This case illustrates the need for persons in Acadiana and throughout the entire state to vaccinate their pets against rabies.  The public should avoid contact with stray domestic pets and with wildlife and is advised to contact local or parish animal control officials, or local law enforcement when stray animals are observed. Rabies is present in populations of skunks in all of North Louisiana and in South Louisiana west of the Atchafalaya River Basin. The disease is also present in several species of bats throughout the entire state.  Therefore unvaccinated pets and their owners are susceptible to infection in all areas of the state.

Rabies is almost always fatal in persons infected.  Fortunately, medications can be given to victims of bites and other exposures that will stop the virus from invading the brain and causing death. Victims of bites and scratches from stray animals are advised to clean wounds thoroughly with clean water and soap and contact their physician. Physicians can call the Office of Public Health for more information at 337-262-5311 or 1-800-256-2748.