A stray kitten died in Omaha from a variant of rabies not previously found in Nebraska. The strain is from the southeastern US and usually infects raccoons but can also infect other species, including humans. As of December 1, no additional case has been reported. Health officials recommend up-to-date rabies vaccination for pets and caution around stray animals. Residents can report animals acting strangely at 402.444.7800, Ext. 1.

Rabies is a virus that affects the brains of mammals and can pass from animal to person or animal to animal through direct contact such as bites or scratches. The disease is not common in the United States and rarely affects humans. While it is fatal if left untreated, quick medical action after exposure can help prevent the disease.

A stray kitten in Omaha was taken in by a family who were trying to rescue it. The kitten eventually died with neurological symptoms and tested positive for rabies.

The rabies variant that the kitten died from had never previously been found west of the Appalachian Mountains. It is a variant that typically infects raccoons.

While any mammal can become infected with rabies, the species that most commonly carry it in the United States are bats, foxes, skunks, and raccoons. In Nebraska, skunks and bats are the most common carriers.

In response to the raccoon variant being found in the kitten, the USDA, CDC, and Douglas County officials are working together to prevent the spread of the raccoon strain. Nebraska has a high population of raccoons, and raccoons are more likely than skunks or bats to come into contact with domestic animals.

Wildlife biologists are live-trapping raccoons and vaccinating them against rabies. This includes a coordinated effort with homeowners and residents to allow biologists to catch and vaccinate raccoons in their backyards. Residents are being asked to ensure their pets are vaccinated for rabies and monitor them while outside.

Widespread testing of roadkill for rabies is also underway, and of 250 species tested so far, none were positive for rabies. An oral form of the rabies vaccination is also being distributed throughout the county. The vaccine is placed in an edible packet coated in fishmeal.

The county is asking Omaha residents to be vigilant for animals acting strangely and to call the Nebraska Humane Society at 402.444.7800 (ext. 1) if they see any odd behavior such as acting aggressively, drooling excessively, or walking in strange patterns.

Four veterinarians and six other people who came into contact with the kitten have been treated with a post-exposure rabies treatment and do not have symptoms.

If a person suspects they have been in contact with an animal that has rabies they should contact their doctor immediately. More information on how to prevent rabies can be found on the CDC website.

Officials do not know how the kitten was infected with the raccoon rabies variant. Biologists are still looking into the source but suspect that the mother cat or kitten was bitten by a rabid raccoon in the Southeastern US and then was transported to or made their way to Omaha. 

The incubation period of the virus ranges from one week to three months, meaning it will not be confirmed until early next year whether the virus has spread.

It will take some time to determine if the widespread vaccination of raccoons in the area was successful. The goal is to vaccinate 1,000 raccoons, and biologists and public health officials will continue to monitor animals in the region.