Rabies Warning: Gibsonton Neighborhood Cat Tests Positive

GIBSONTON, FL - An adult, child and dog have been exposed to a cat in the Gibsonton area that tested positive for rabies, according to the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County. Health officials said the short-hair gray tabby cat was spotted around East Bay Road and the department is trying to locate anyone else who might have been exposed.

The adult and child are being treated and the dog is being quarantined. The cat recently gave birth to kittens and they are being tested for rabies.

Health officials say they will be notifying homes within a 500-foot radius of where the cat was found. Anyone who has been bitten, scratched, or exposed to the saliva of the cat is asked to contact the health department.

So far this year, five rabid animals (three cats, one bat and one raccoon) have exposed 13 people and two domestic dogs to rabies in Hillsborough County, according to health officials.

The health department recommends the following precautions:

• Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.
• If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center at (813) 744-5660.
• Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
• Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people and pets.
• Persons who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County at (813) 307-8059.
• For further information on rabies, click here or call the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County at (813) 307-8000, or (813) 744-5660.

Image via Shutterstock