Cat tests positive for rabies in De Baca County

The New Mexico Department of Health has announced a cat in De Baca County has tested positive for rabies. According to the health department, this is the first time since records have been kept that a cat has tested positive for rabies since 1966. The health department is advising pet and livestock owners in De Baca County to vaccinate their animals against rabies. The health department also offers these tips to keep you and your family safe: Always keep pets on a leash. Pets should be up to date on rabies vaccinations and wearing current license tags on their collar. Horses and other livestock should also be considered for rabies vaccination to protect them from rabid animals that may attack them. Stay away from wild or unfamiliar animals. Do not attempt to feed, approach, or touch wild animals (alive or dead). Teach this important message to your children, and always keep a close eye on your children. If you or someone you know are bitten by an animal, or come into contact with an animal’s saliva, wash the exposed site immediately with soap and water. Be sure to report the bite to local animal control and seek medical care as soon as possible. If your cat or dog has been bitten or scratched, especially by a wild mammal, call your pet’s veterinarian, even if the wound is superficial. If you see a sick or dead wild animal, or a wild animal acting abnormally, report it to your local animal control authorities or the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish at 505-827-9376. Rabid animals may show no fear of people and be aggressive, or they may be quiet and can even seem friendly.