Rabies Positive Cat in the Town of Groveland, Livingston County 

 

 

According to Livingston County Public Health Director, Jennifer  Rodriguez, the New York State Health Department laboratory has confirmed that a cat in Groveland Station in the Town  of Groveland tested positive for rabies on November 16, 2021. The cat, a feral adult, was confirmed to have bitten two people prior to testing. These individuals will receive rabies post exposure treatment to prevent rabies virus infection. The  cat in this case is known to have delivered a litter of kittens recently. The kittens were not seen after November 7. It is  believed that the kittens did not survive, but if anyone is aware of any extremely young, unweaned kittens being picked up  in the Groveland Station area after November 7 please contact the Livingston County Department of Health at 585-243- 7280. 

Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the central nervous system in mammals. It is most often found in raccoons, skunks,  and bats in Livingston County. All mammals, including unvaccinated dogs, cats, and farm animals are at risk for getting  rabies. There is no way to tell if an animal is rabid just by looking at it. Wild or feral animals should always be avoided.  Signs of rabies in wildlife can include: 

• inability to walk  
• appearance of “drunkenness” 
• unwillingness to drink water or eat  
• drooling  
• aggressive behavior 
• any significant change in temperament 

All potential rabies exposures should be reported to the Livingston County Department of Health.  

Below are important steps you can follow to prevent rabies. 

• Stay away from unfamiliar animals, either wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. • Thoroughly wash any wound from an animal with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention. • Avoid wild and feral animals, especially if the animal is showing any sign of rabies. 
• Be a responsible pet owner by keeping your pet’s vaccinations current. Getting your pet vaccinated can help stop the  spread of rabies from wild animals to humans.  

New York State Law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets have current rabies vaccinations beginning at 4 months of age.  An unvaccinated pet that comes into contact with a rabid animal must be kept in strict confinement for six months or be  euthanized. Free rabies clinics are offered for dogs, cats, and ferrets every year in Livingston County.