Investigators said the kitten tested positive for rabies this month after being taken into the family's home on Aug. 28. The kitten also attacked the family dog, which was up to date on its vaccination. The dog received a booster and is under quarantine, according to Maine CDC Director Dora Ann Mills.
The identities of the three were not released by officials.
Animal Control Officer Robert Larrabee said that after the kitten bit a child, the family captured it and brought it to a veterinarian. The animal was put down and later taken to a laboratory in Augusta for testing.
"In my career, this is only the second cat I've seen come back positive," Larrabee said.
He is continuing to investigate the case along with Animal Control Officer Ozzie Hart.
So far in 2009, a total of 42 rabid animals have been identified in Maine, according to Mills. This includes 22 raccoons, 10 skunks, six foxes, three bats and one cat.
In order to make comments, you must verify your account.
In order to comment on SunJournal.com, you must use your real name and include the town in which you live in your profile. A member of our staff will call you to verify this information. To join in, fill out your user profile completely and check the box "please verify my status." We'll get back to you within one business day to verify your account.
Login or create an account here.
Our policy prohibits comments that are:
- Defamatory, abusive, obscene, racist, or otherwise hateful
- Excessively foul and/or vulgar
- Inappropriately sexual
- Baseless personal attacks or otherwise threatening
- Contain illegal material, or material that infringes on the rights of others
- Commercial postings attempting to sell a product/item
If you violate this policy, your comment will be removed and your account may be banned.