Re:OT Feral Cat Bite- rabies etc

March 17, 2010

When any animal, even someone's pet with proof of rabies vaccination,

bites someone, they must be observed (by owner at home or in a cage

at a shelter) for what I thought was 4 weeks to make sure they are

not rabid. I thought they had somehow shortened that since they are

euthanizing the cat on Friday, but maybe they are ignoring the bite.

There is no rabies blood test for people or animals. The only way to

rule it out is by observation of the biter(cat) or they need to test

brain tissue, so they would send the cat's head to a lab. All known

bite wounds must be reported by physicians and veterinarians to the

department of health if the animal dies before being able to rule out

rabies by observation. I guess you could try calling the department

of health. As far as testing it for Lyme, I don't know if they're

obligated to test. Anyway, it's just as unreliable in dogs and cats

(neg doesn't mean you don't have it and vice versa) and I don't

think it's transmissible via bite. On the other hand, Bartonella

definitely is transmissible as previously discussed, easily tested

for and is a real risk in this case.

Hope thet was helpful...

Aviva

On Mar 16, 2010, at 2:48 PM, Cook wrote:

> When a ferral animal bites someone, isn't animal control required

> to test for Rabies at the very least? Where are you located? It

> sounds like a pretty draconian area. Maybe you can have a lawyer

> contact them regarding having tests done on the cat for Lyme etc.

> Perhaps the fear of legal repercussions will change some attitudes.

> Either way, you should get yourself to a Dr. that understands more

> about Lyme than the CDC(IDSA) guidelines for Lyme treatment, and

> get yourself tested ASAP. The 28 day regimen for Lyme is only

> effective if you catch within the early stages, the sooner the

> better. Otherwise, we all know what the consequences are if you are

> not treated successfuly.Steve Cook

>

Recommended Posts