Rabies Scare Causes Undue Panic About Cats

Rabies is an acute viral infection of the central nervous system and has been around for centuries. The United States has a very efficient public health system that has kept rabies in humans down to a minimum. Humans have access to post-exposure treatment for prevention; and for domestic animals we have an excellent preventive system for the animals (dogs) who used to be the prime carriers. The control of rabies in wild animals has relied on culling animals to reduce their numbers. These methods are not only inhumane, but also ineffective, as the ecological vacuum created is soon filled by other animals, who may not be as healthy.

A panic broke out recently in Rockland County, New York, when four kittens at the Hudson Valley Humane SPCA were found to have rabies. This was the first case of rabies reported at the shelter since 1891. The Department of Health’s initial reaction was to rule that all stray cats brought into the shelter would have to be held for six months before being adopted. The press added to the panic by printing headlines such as, "More cats suffering from diseases!" and "Owners heartsick as pets are stricken with feline AIDS, leukemia and rabies."