Westchester Reporter

The Westchester County Department of Health has issued a public alert following the discovery of rabies in a sick and injured black cat brought to Yonkers Animal Hospital on December 12. The animal hospital is located at 526 Saw Mill River Road.

Health officials are seeking to contact a man and woman who left the cat at the facility without providing their names or contact details. It is crucial for these individuals to be identified to determine if they have been exposed to the rabies virus, which can be fatal if not treated.

Individuals who had any interaction with the young cat, believed to have been hit by a vehicle, are urged to immediately contact the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000. This phone line operates around the clock.

The department released descriptions of the individuals: a man in an orange camouflage jacket and a woman carrying a beige tote bag while wearing a black jacket and hat with a pom-pom.

Dr. Sherlita Amler, Health Commissioner, emphasized: “Rabies is fatal, but it is also 100 percent preventable with post-exposure treatment. To avoid rabies, steer clear of wild animals and strays. If you see an injured or sick animal, call police." She also advised teaching children not to approach unknown animals and keeping pets' vaccinations current.

Signs of rabies in animals include unusual behavior such as aggression or tameness, loss of fear towards humans, excitement or lethargy, staggering, and frothing at the mouth. Any physical interaction with unfamiliar animals should be reported to healthcare providers immediately.

Further information can be found at www.westchestergov.com/health or by calling (914) 813-5010.