Unusual strain of rabies found in Omaha

Following the discovery of a rabid kitten, wildlife and health officials launched a raccoon catch-and-release program in Omaha and surrounding Douglas County. The kitten tested positive for a strain of raccoon-carried rabies previously only found in the east of the Appalachians.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the CDC have begun trapping, testing and vaccinating raccoons around a three-mile radius of where the kitten was found. The goal is to vaccinate 1,000 raccoons in hopes of preventing an epidemic among the local wildlife.

According to the city of Omaha, 10 individuals who came into contact with the kitten are receiving prophylactic treatment and vaccinations. The case is especially unique, as no cases of rabies in cats have been identified in Douglas County for 20 years.

Douglas County Health Director Dr. Lindsay Huse said, “What we’re worried about is the raccoon variant showing up in Douglas County. We’re trying to quantify the risk we may have here. Rabies is nearly always fatal, so we are taking all the right steps to make sure it doesn’t spread or get established.”

Huse asked Douglas County residents to report roadkill, stray animals or wild animals, especially any animals that are acting in an unusual way. Rabid animals may act strangely: lethargic, excessively skittish or aggressive, drooling or stumbling.

Huse also reminded residents to keep their pets' rabies vaccinations up to date. This is very important for pets that go outdoors.

Rabies is a viral disease spread through direct contact with the saliva of infected mammals. Humans can contract rabies from animal scratches or bites, and if the disease is allowed to progress until symptoms appear, it is nearly always fatal. There is no cure; however, post-exposure rabies vaccines are 100 percent effective at preventing infection.

If you or a pet get scratched or bit by a wild or stray animal, seek medical attention immediately. In Nebraska, most cases of rabies are found in bats. Do not approach bats, especially if they are in a place bats usually are not. According to the CDC, “Bat bites can be very small. If you’ve been in contact with a bat — even if you aren’t sure you’ve been bitten or scratched — talk to a healthcare or public health professional about your risk and whether or not you need to be vaccinated.”

If you see an animal acting suspiciously, call the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services at 402-471-2937, or Lincoln Animal Control at 402-441-7900 to report the incident.

By Annika Cambigue