Rabid cat in northern Berks scratched at least 1 person

The Animal Rescue League of Berks County announced Friday evening, Sept. 15, that it was notified by the state that a cat trapped in Longswamp Township has tested positive for rabies.

“The ARL was contacted by a resident of Longswamp Township who stated that they had trapped a cat that was showing several behavioral symptoms consistent with the rabies virus,” said Hayden Carroll, manager of the ARL’s Department of Animal Protection and a Pennsylvania humane police officer, in the announcement. “At this time, we know that the cat scratched the finder who has already sought the proper medical treatment. If anyone else was bitten or scratched by an animal in this area they should seek medical attention immediately.”

The ARL did not identify the person who was scratched and trapped the cat, but noted it was in the area of Timber Drive, which has an Alburtis mailing address and is not far from the Lehigh County line.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a rabid animal may act strangely. They may be aggressive and try biting humans or other animals and they may drool excessively. They also can act timid or overly tame. Infected animals may have problems swallowing and have trouble moving.

“Residents should be alert for other animals in the area with signs of rabies and should not allow their pets outside unsupervised,” Carroll said. “If you suspect that an animal is infected with rabies, please call immediately the animal control provider of your municipality or your local police department and do not approach the animal by any means.”

The ARL noted that Longswamp Township is not one of the 12 Berks County municipalities it is contracted with in 2023 to provide animal control services.

“We got involved because the person called and advised that none of the resources we sent was willing to help, so we stepped up,” said José Joel Delgado-Rivera, the ARL’s chief communications officer, when contacted Friday night. “In addition to that, since we have a veterinary team and we constantly manage strays, we took the responsibility to help the state with reporting rabies cases in the area.”

He said the ARL euthanized the sick cat and submitted a sample to the state to be tested. Animals cannot be tested for rabies while they are alive.

Source: Berkshire mont