Allegany County Health Department is reporting that a feral cat associated with a colony of cats located in an area between the AES Warrior Run and the Webstaurant properties in Mexico Farms tested positive for rabies.  The cat was sent for testing on Monday, July 21, 2025 and a report of the positive test was received late Tuesday. Anyone who has come into contact with this cat, described as a small orange domestic short hair male, should reach out to the health department at 301-759-5000.  It is highly advised that you do not feed or come into direct contact with any of the other cats associated with this colony.

 

The identification of the rabid kitten in Allegany County follows five confirmed cases of rabies in feral cats in Garrett County so far this summer. Given the current known cases of rabies in feral cats, the Allegany County Health Department is urging residents to be vigilant and report any sightings of feral cats or other animals showing signs of rabies. Symptoms of rabies include changes in an animal’s behavior such as unusual friendliness or aggressiveness; nocturnal animals being unusually active during the day; and staggering, excessive drooling, or even paralysis.  If you have had any contact with a feral cat, please contact your local health department immediately.

 

Rabies virus presents life-threatening health risks to both humans and animals.  The virus, which attacks the nervous system, typically incubates in an infected host for 3 to 12 weeks, though this period can range from several days to several months.  It is important to remember that an animal with the rabies virus may be able to spread the virus without showing any signs of the disease.  Infected animals may shed virus through their saliva 3 to 5 days before symptoms appear. Rabies is almost always fatal within 10 days once symptoms appear.  

 

What to Do If You've Been Bitten/Exposed:

• Wash the wound with soap water. If available, use a disinfectant (such as a povidone-iodine solution) to flush the wound. 

• Seek medical attention promptly and be sure to report the bite or exposure to your local animal control agency, health department, or police.

• Rabies in humans is preventable if treated soon after exposure. A medical provider can help decide if a person requires the treatment, depending on the exposure type.

 

What to Do If Your Pet Has Been Bitten/Exposed:

• Do not touch the wild or stray animal which caused the bite and avoid touching your pet with bare hands. Use gloves when handling an animal with potential exposure.

• Consult your veterinarian and report the incident to your local animal control agency, health department, or police for further recommendations.

• Exposed pets must be quarantined for ten days.  This is usually done at home.

 

ACHD will continue to monitor the situation and release more information to the community as it becomes available.