Nassau DOH: Feral cat found in Cedarhurst tests positive for rabies

"

There’s an urgent warning for pet owners in Nassau County after a feral cat from Cedarhurst tested positive for rabies. It's the first time since 2016 a rabid animal has been found in the county. Nassau County SPCA President Gary Rogers warns there could be more out there. "The general public has to stay away from animals they don't know, whether it's wildlife or a domestic animal,” he said. “You have to talk to your children." Rogers says pet owners need to make sure their pets are up to date on their shots. Cat owners need to keep their cats indoors as much as possible to limit exposure.He also says pet owners should immediately see their vet if their pet comes in contact with a strange animal. Most importantly, he says to make sure children stay away from any unknown animals. There are also some signs of whether an animal has been infected. "It's not acting normally. It could be at the point that it's not walking right. It could look like it's drunk. It could be a little aggressive or it could just be lying on the ground,” says Rogers. Immediately call a doctor and the health department if exposed to a rabid animal. The Town of Hempstead and the Nassau County Department of Health will hold a free rabies vaccination clinic for dogs, cats, and ferrets on August 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter located at 3320 Beltagh Ave. in Wantagh. "