The Florida Department of Health this week confirmed that one of two cats thrown from a car in the Woods Walk neighborhood of suburban Lake Worth tested positive for rabies. The second cat is still at large, and residents in the area are being warned to avoid all stray animals.
On Friday, May 15, a car travelling in the Woods Walk neighborhood was seen throwing two cats from the moving vehicle. Two neighbors witnessed the incident, and when they attempted to help the animals, they were both bitten. One of the cats was captured and turned over to Animal Care & Control. The exposed individuals have begun the required series of rabies shots.
Any persons in the vehicle have also been exposed and must begin the rabies shot series. Those people are asked to report to their nearest hospital and call the Florida Department of Health at (561) 671-4184.
The second cat is still missing, and officials are warning neighbors in the area of Lake Worth Road and State Road 7 to not attempt capturing any stray animals, but to report them immediately to Animal Care & Control at (561) 233-1200.
Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans if not treated soon after exposure. Animals exhibiting signs of sickness and aggressive behavior should be reported to Animal Care & Control.
