A Stray Cat with Rabies Bit a Person: Quarantine Introduced in Mykolaiv Region

In the Mykolaiv region, rabies was laboratory-confirmed in two stray cats. Quarantine restrictions were introduced in the village of Yermolivka, Pryvilne territorial community, and in part of Kazanka.

In Yermolivka, an infected stray cat bit a local resident. After the laboratory confirmed the disease, a commission at the Pryvilne Village Council declared the village an area unsafe for rabies.

In Kazanka, an infected stray cat died on September 9 on Yuvileina Street. The Mykolaiv Regional State Laboratory of the State Production and Consumer Service examined the pathological sample and confirmed the presence of the virus.

The State Emergency Anti-Epizootic Commission at the Kazanka Settlement Council declared the following areas unsafe for rabies:

• Poslushniaka Street;
• Yuvileina Street;
• Saint Nicholas Street;
• Yabluneva Street;
• Slovianska Street;
• Sadova Street;
• Tankistiv Lane.

A disease control plan has been approved for each outbreak site. Veterinary specialists are going door to door, identifying sick animals and those suspected of being infected, and arranging preventive vaccination for dogs and cats. Residents are also being informed about the dangers of rabies.

Rabies is an acute infectious disease that affects the central nervous system. People are usually infected through the bite of an infected animal or when its saliva gets onto broken skin or mucous membranes. Once clinical symptoms appear, the disease is virtually incurable.

If an animal bites or slobbers on someone, immediately wash the contact area with water and household soap, then seek medical attention as soon as possible. After a bite or other potentially dangerous contact, it is essential to get medical care and begin post-exposure rabies vaccination. Do not stop the prescribed vaccination course or miss any appointments without medical advice.

Experts advise avoiding contact with stray and wild animals and not letting children approach them. If an animal is behaving suspiciously, isolate it if possible and notify veterinarians. Do not attempt to kill or handle it yourself. Do not touch the carcasses of wild animals; report them to the veterinary service.

Dog and cat owners are reminded to have their pets vaccinated against rabies on time.

To call specialists from the Bashtanka District State Veterinary Hospital, contact the relevant departments:

• Bashtanka Department — 063 419 8176;
• Novyi Buh Department — 068 066 4720;
• Kazanka Department — 067 253 1960;
• Bereznehuvate Department — 097 332 4590;
• Snigurivka Department — 068 820 9779.

In October last year, 15 cases of rabies were registered in the Bashtanka district, including 3 in cattle.

We previously reported:

• There is no cure, but protection is available: rabies vaccine stocked at medical facilities in the Mykolaiv region
• Dog bites people in central Mykolaiv: woman asks to warn residents
• Mykolaiv region in danger: rabies found not only in dogs, but also in cats, goats and cows…
• Danger in Korabelnyi district: stray dog bites girl
• Dangerous diseases in focus: African swine fever and rabies in the Mykolaiv region