Worcester County Feral Cats

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

A wild feral cat from a colony of wild feral cats in the Rt. 707 area of north Worcester County tested positive for rabies in June. Three individuals were exposed to the rabid animal and are undergoing rabies post exposure treatment to prevent the development of this fatal disease. Worcester County Animal Control has been working hard to protect the community we serve by removing the other wild animals that have been exposed to the deadly rabies disease in order to reduce the risk to the community.

Attempting to approach, contact, and feed a wild animal is dangerous to humans. The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the community that a feral cat is a wild animal. Leaving food out for feral cats or any other wild animal will invite the risk of potential exposure to humans of a deadly disease.

Rabid animals exhibit many different symptoms of the disease. The disease can incubate in an animal for about six months or longer. There is no way of knowing how many animals have been exposed to the disease, therefore it would be in the best interest of the community not to attempt to approach any wild feral cat or any other wild animal.

Cases of rabies have been confirmed in several different species of wild animals in Worcester County.

For more information about the risks and symptoms of rabies please contact the Worcester County Animal Control at 410-632-1340 and or the Worcester County Health Department at 410-641-9559 or visit worcesterhealth.org