Mecklenburg County officials have confirmed the county’s first case of rabies this year in a house pet. A kitten in the 28205 zip code, which includes Plaza Midwood, tested positive for the disease.
Veterinarian Margurette Straley examined the kitten this week, before the county’s public health department euthanized and tested it.
"It would scream and growl like a grown cat, so much that you would take a double take and go, “What is in that box?” It was obviously very painful," says Straley.
The family that owned the kitten will be vaccinated for rabies and their dog is currently quarantined.
Around 30 rabies cases are reported in Mecklenburg County each year, according to the state’s public health department. Most of the infected animals are wild animals like raccoons and foxes.
CMPD’s Animal Control reminds people to report any animals acting strangely. The department is holding a free rabies vaccination for pets tomorrow.
