Pitt County Health Department Confirms Rabies in Domestic Cat
No community danger as a result of this incident
Pitt County Health Department was notified on Thursday, July 17, 2025 of a domestic cat that tested positive for rabies. The cat, which appeared ill, was picked up by a local family in the Old Snow Hill Road/Edwards Farm Road area and later brought to a veterinary clinic for care. All individuals involved are receiving appropriate follow-up as indicated.
At this time, there is no danger to humans or other animals as a result of this incident. Anyone bitten or exposed to saliva potentially infected with rabies should contact their healthcare provider or Pitt County Health Department for a rabies risk assessment. Residents may call the Health Department Communicable Disease line can at 252-902-2316.
“This case is a reminder that even well-intentioned efforts to help animals can carry serious health risks,” said Wes Gray, Pitt County Health Director. “We strongly urge residents not to approach or handle unfamiliar or sick animals, no matter how harmless they may seem.”
If you are bitten or scratched by any animal, clean the wound area well with soap and running water for 15 minutes and contact your doctor. Be certain to write down the location of the animal and a description of the animal to provide to animal control. Do not attempt to catch any wild animal that bites or scratches you.
Residents should call animal control immediately at 252-902-1725 to capture the animal for rabies testing. If the animal is someone's pet, provide the owner's name and address to the animal control officer. Any mammal can transmit rabies. The animal that bit, depending on the species and circumstances, will have to be evaluated or tested for rabies.
Tips for rabies exposure prevention:
- Vaccinate your pets against rabies and keep the vaccinations current. ·
- Keep pets inside. Supervise pets outside and keep dogs on a leash. ·
- Do not feed pets outside. Pet food and mulch attract wildlife. ·
- Do not feed wildlife, feral cats or feral dogs.
- Secure garbage cans with wildlife-proof lids.
For more information, visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services / NC Public Health Epidemiology website at http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/cd/diseases/rabies.html or contact the Pitt County Public Health Department at 252-902-2300 or Animal Services at 252-902-1725.