Beware of Idaho Cat with Rabies
We haven't had a rabid cat in our area since 1992, but a cat in Owyhee County has tested positive for rabies and the public is being warned.
Suspicion started last week when the cat aggressively bit its owner and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that the cat has been affected with a strain of rabies that is normally associated with bats.
Specifics about the cat's whereabouts are not being released to protect the owner's privacy according to KTVB.
The article points out that while bats are most commonly found to have rabies, it can happen in any mammal, including dogs, horses, ferrets, raccoons, and skunks.
Rabies is serious. It's 100% fatal in both animals and humans, so it's very important to have your animals vaccinated.
People that have been potentially exposed to this cat are being treated and they are working to see if other animals have been potentially exposed.
If you are ever bitten by a mammal be sure to wash the affected area with soap and water. It's also an important conversation to have with your children should they ever be bitten by a mammal that could be infected.