Rabid Domestic Cat Found in Glen Ellen

Bay City News Service

A confirmed case of rabies in an unvaccinated, domestic cat in the Glen Ellen area is the first in a domestic animal in the county since 1997, the Sonoma County Department of Health Services said Thursday.

County officials did not release specific details about the rabies incident. Animal Care and Control Director Amy Cooper said the cat bit someone and that person received rabies shots.

VIP Pet Care will be offering $5 dog and cat rabies vaccinations for the next three weeks throughout the county in response to the incident, Cooper said.

All proceeds from the vaccinations will go to the "Love Me Fix Me" spay/neuter program hosted by Sonoma County Animal Care and Control.

The Department of Health Services said the rabies incident highlights the dangers of not vaccinating pets.

Bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes are most often affected with rabies in California, but all mammals can become infected and sporadic cases in domestic animals can still occur, the Department of Health Services said.

State law requires vaccinations of all dogs and it is strongly recommended that cats also be vaccinated.

VIP Pet Care provides services throughout California and other states. Mobile clinics are available. Click here for details on dates and locations.

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