Two people were bitten by a rabid feral cat in Canandaigua Tuesday.
According to Ontario County Public Health, testing on the animal confirmed on Wednesday that it had rabies, the deadly virus which attacks the nervous system.
Both people have been treated for their bites.
Rabies is always present in New York and is most common in raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes. Cats are the fourth most common animal diagnosed with rabies in the state.
The health department is reminding the public to never ignore an animal bite and to keep pets up-to-date on their vaccines. They also offer the following tips to prevent exposure to the virus:
- Avoid contact with any wild animals, including feral cats
- Don’t attract animals to your home or yard by leaving out food
- Be sure your dogs and cats are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations
- Tightly cap or put away garbage cans
- Board up openings in your attic, basement, or garage
- Encourage children to immediately tell an adult if they are bitten by an animal.
To report an animal bite, you can contact Public Health’s Rabies Control Board at 585-396-4343 during normal business hours or at 585-394-4560 after hours.