Rabid Feral Cat Bit Resident In Ellicott City

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Anyone who came in contact with a stray or feral cat, or has had a pet be around a feral cat - between April 1 and April 11 is asked to contact the Howard County Health Department. A feral cat picked up in Ellicott City has tested positive for rabies after biting a resident April 11.

The brown “tabby-like” cat was found Sunday in the 3100 block of West Springs Road in Ellicott City after it bit a person, according to a news release. Rabies is spread through a bite or a scratch from an infected animal, which can include cats, raccoons, bats, foxes and groundhogs. Rabies also can be spread when an infected animal’s saliva comes into contact with another person’s or animal’s eyes, nose or mouth.

Rabies can be fatal, so it is important to start preventative treatment as soon as possible. Preventative treatment may be required for anyone who fed, handled or was attacked by this particular rabid cat, the health department explained.

Stray or feral animals often are not vaccinated against rabies and for that reason, the county health department warns residents not to feed them and to keep their own animals' rabies vaccinations up to date.

If you or your pet were in contact with a stray or feral cat, call 410-313-1773 or 410-313-2929 after business hours.