Rare case of rabies found in feral cat in Cedarhurst, health officials say

A rare case of rabies found in a feral cat in Nassau County one week ago triggered a warning to pet owners and concerns for rescuers who care for stray cat colonies.

The Nassau County Health Department announced Thursday a cat picked up in Cedarhurst last Saturday had tested positive for rabies. A resident reported the cat appeared ill and was not moving.

"I'm hoping this doesn't have a negative impact on the feral cat community ... [and] doesn't scare people from taking care of animals in general," said John Debacker, a Bellmore-based animal rescuer and vice president of Long Island Cat/Kitten Solution. "I'm trying to educate the public there is nothing to worry about as long as your pets are up to date on their vaccines."

Rabies is a potentially fatal viral disease that can be spread to people from pets and other animals that are infected. People who are bitten by an animal they believe could be infected can get a series of shots called post-exposure prophylaxis that are effective if done quickly.

Rabies cases have been scarce in Nassau County in recent years. A raccoon was discovered to have rabies in 2016, and an unvaccinated pet cat that had been adopted from Westchester tested positive in 2017. Since 2018, the only cases were found in two bats.

"We urge all residents to avoid contact with feral and wild animals and to ensure their pets are up to date with their rabies vaccinations," Nassau County Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman said in a statement. "The detection of rabies in our county after several years of no reported cases is a stark reminder of the ongoing risk, and it’s crucial that we take proactive measures to protect our community."

Aside from the one raccoon and two cats, virtually all of the rabies cases on Long Island since 2016 have been found in bats. There was one river otter from Suffolk County that tested positive in 2017.

So far in 2024, Suffolk County has reported confirmed rabies cases in three bats.

Most common in wildlife

State officials said rabies is most common in wildlife including raccoons, skunks, foxes, deer, groundhogs, coyotes and bats, but household pets also can become infected.

The virus is passed through saliva from a bite, break in the skin or contact with eyes, nose and mouth.

“Stray and feral cats are at a higher risk [to contract rabies] due to their potential exposure to wild animals that may carry the virus,” said Dr. Gabrielle Pimento, medical director at Bond Vet in Merrick. “It’s a reminder of the importance of rabies vaccinations and monitoring wildlife interactions.”

Pimento said people who feed feral cat colonies should be particularly vigilant.

“It’s essential to ensure that feral cats are part of a trap-neuter-release [TNR] program, which includes rabies vaccinations,” she said. “Avoid handling feral cats directly to minimize the risk of bites or scratches, and always wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after feeding or caring for the cats.”

Since feral cats can pass rabies to people, parents should be especially cautious with children and remind them not to approach animals they don’t know, said Gary Rogers, president of the Nassau County SPCA.

“If you see a sick kitten or a sick animal laying around, call the health department, call 911, call the local animal shelter, it has to be addressed,” he said. “Even if it is lethargic and not bothering you, but ... if you go over and bother it, it just might react and bite you.”

Debacker said people should continue to take care of their feral cat communities but make sure the cats are spayed or neutered and vaccinated.

"Most people don't handle feral cats," he said. "But they will starve if there is no one to take care of them."

Advice regarding pets

Pimento advised people to keep pets indoors or supervised when outside to reduce the risk of contact with wild animals.

"If you suspect your pet has been exposed to a wild animal or shows signs of unusual behavior, contact your veterinarian immediately," she said.

State law mandates that all cats, dogs and domestic ferrets be vaccinated against rabies after the age of 4 months and receive the required booster shots throughout their lives.

The health department and the Town of Hempstead shelter is holding a free rabies clinic for pets of Nassau County residents at the shelter on Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The department asked residents to report any dead, sick or abnormally acting animals by emailing rabies@nassaucountyny.gov.

With Anastasia Valeeva