Troy- The Rensselaer County Department for Health is issuing an alert to inform residents in the vicinity of 182 Main Ave in Wynantskill that a kitten found and taken from this area has tested positive for the rabies virus. If you have had contact or have taken a kitten from this area between 6/10/2011-6/16/2011 please contact the Rensselaer County Department of Health immediately. 

Sick or rabid animals will demonstrate unusual behavior, display no fear of humans, wander around during daylight, and wander into residential areas.  Animals infected with the rabies virus will show aggressive behavior towards humans and domesticated animals.   The Rensselaer County Health Department wants to remind animal owners of the importance of keeping their pets up-to-date with their rabies vaccinations, not only to protect their pets, but to protect their families from potential exposure to rabies and the required post-exposure rabies shots.

Rensselaer County Officials are reminding residents of the precautions, as well as the steps to follow if you or someone in your care comes into contact with an animal that could be rabid.

• Rabies exposure can include a bite or saliva contact with a rabid animal.
• Residents should avoid contact with wild or stray animals.
• Report all animal bites to humans or contact with wild animals to the Rensselaer County Department of Health for follow-up.
• Although rabies is normally transmitted through a bite or scratch of an infected animal, the virus can be transmitted by contact with saliva through mucous membranes (such as eyes or nose) or through broken skin. Therefore it is important to remember if your pet or any animal is attacked or wounded by a potentially rabid animal, to protect yourself first and never handle the wounded animal with your bare hands.

For more information on rabies prevention or what you should do if exposed to a potentially rabid animal, please contact the Rensselaer County Department of Health at 270-2655 or visit our web page at http://www.rensco.com/publichealth.asp

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