Cat found near Oliver Street tests positive for rabies

A feral cat found in the area of Oliver Street in Dartmouth on Friday, May 16 has tested positive for rabies at the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory, the Board of Health announced.

The cat was small and black with a white spot on its face and white feet. The cat was also wearing a flea collar.  

Rabies is a serious disease and immediate consultation with medical staff is needed after a possible exposure. 

Any person who was exposed to the cat’s saliva through a bite, scratch, fresh wound, feeding or through exposure of cat saliva to their eyes or mouth has had a high-risk exposure to the animal.  

Any information on possible contacts with this cat between May 8 and  May 16, should be directed to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at 617-983-6800 or a health care provider for a risk assessment. 

Following an exposure to rabies, disease can be prevented with  prompt administration of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. People who did not have any contact with the cat are not at risk from rabies.