Rabies and feral cats

Wild Blue Animal Rescue and Sanctuary†has been getting phone calls and emails about the recent rabies case†in northeast Colorado Springs.We know this†can be a scary situation for some people, but we†urge you to keep these two important†facts in mind:

1. Feral cats and kittens†who are part of a managed TNR (trap, neuter, return) program run by Wild Blue (or by other†rescue groups in the area)†are vaccinated for rabies at the†same time they are spayed and/or neutered; prior to being returned to their home habitat. This protocol also applies to†many of the†stray†or outdoor cats you may see around town,†as it is a normal practice for veterinarians to vaccinate against rabies at the time of their surgeries.
2. Despite what you may be hearing on the news or reading in the newspaper, rabies IS NOT a highly contagious disease.†To contract rabies, you†must be bitten by a rabid animal or have an open wound†that is exposed to the saliva of a rabid animal.

The†last confirmed case of rabies in a cat in El Paso County was 49 years ago. In fact,†all verified rabies cases in the last†five years have been either†an infected†bat, fox or skunk.†Typically, it is not necessary to euthanize an animal who†is exposed to a rabid animal ó unless†they†are†bitten or otherwise injured.Those of you who have been assisting with feeding feral cats are†an important part of the work we do to save these kitties. We value you and your time.This†incident serves to remind all of†us†how important it is to make sure that our pets†have their rabies vaccination, and they are†kept up†to date with all of their vaccines.If you have further questions, please feel free to call us at 719-964-8905 or email wildblueanimalrescue@gmail.org; we will be glad to help you.