2 rabid cats found in Henry

Two cases of rabies have been confirmed in stray cats found in rural Henry County, officials said Friday.

Since Oct. 18, officials have confirmed rabies in two stray cats found along Ga. 81 East near Bethany Baptist Church, county spokeswoman Julie Hoover-Ernst said.

A two-week trapping program has been initiated in the area to capture any other wild cats, she said. Also, letters have been sent to nearby residents alerting them to the confirmed rabies cases, she said.

Hoover-Ernst said all pet owners are required by law to keep their dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies. Pet owners also should prevent their animals from roaming to avoid exposure to infected wild animals.

Stray animals should be reported to Animal Control. Raccoons, foxes, skunks, bats and coyotes are considered to be at high risk for rabies and should not be approached or handled.

Rabies is a viral disease that is spread through the saliva of an infected animal. Rabies symptoms include abnormal behavior, lethargy, lack of coordination, convulsions and paralysis. Although the disease is fatal, immediate first-aid may prevent the virus from entering the body.

For more information or to report suspicious or loose animals, call Henry Animal Care and Control at 770-288-PETS.