Cat tests positive for rabies in Town of Bethel

LIBERTY – Sullivan County Public Health Services reported a domestic cat in the Bethel area tested positive for the rabies virus. The animal was a household cat that spent time both indoors and outdoors. This is the second confirmed case of rabies in an animal in Sullivan County so far this year.
The rabies virus occurs commonly throughout New York State, with the vast majority of rabies cases reported each year occurring in wild animals, including raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks and woodchucks. Domestic animals account for less than 10 percent of the reported rabies cases, which most often include cats, dogs and cattle.
Wild animals may expose your pets if they are allowed to freely roam on your property in wooded areas.  Residents are cautioned to not attract animals to their property with unsecured refuse containers, or by feeding them.
The best protection for pet owners is to make sure rabies vaccinations are current.