Department of Health Confirms Rabid Kitten Found in York County

    HARRISBURG, Pa., July 15 /EMWNews/ -- The Pennsylvania

Department of Health said today that a kitten given away from a York County

residence tested positive for rabies, and there are other kittens that need

to be located.



    There were seven "free kittens," approximately one- to two-months old,

advertised at a residence on West Canal Road in Dover. One kitten taken

from this residence on June 27 developed rabies several weeks later at its

new home. One other kitten littermate is accounted for in that same

household and tested negative for rabies.



    Health Department officials would like to speak to anyone who picked up

two free kittens on June 14 and three free kittens on June 26 from the

residence. Health would like to check the status of these kittens and

ensure there are no possible rabies risks to humans or other animals. We

encourage anyone who may have information about these kittens to call the

York County State Health Center at (717) 771-4505 or the Department of

Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH.



    Touching or handling a potentially rabid animal does not constitute

exposure unless you have been bitten or scratched. Under these

circumstances, you should seek medical attention immediately.



    For more information, call the PA Department of Health at

1-877-PA-HEALTH. General information on rabies along with other diseases

and illnesses is available at http://www.health.state.pa.us.



    CONTACT: Holli Senior



    (717) 787-1783