Summary

Island Health has confirmed that a free-roaming kitten in Chemainus, previously thought to have rabies, tested negative for the disease following further testing by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The initial positive result was a rare 'false positive,' and the kitten was euthanized for standard testing. While the risk of rabies to humans in B.C. is low, particularly from animals other than bats, Island Health emphasizes the importance of early intervention and vaccination in case of exposure.

Details

Island Health has confirmed that a free-roaming kitten previously thought to have rabies does not carry the disease. In July, health officials alerted the public after the kitten tested positive for rabies, prompting concerns about potential exposure. However, further testing conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s rabies laboratory revealed a rare 'false positive' result, leading to the kitten's negative rabies status being confirmed on August 21.

The unfortunate necessity of euthanizing the kitten was required to perform standard brain tissue tests, as outlined by the Centre for Disease Control. Rabies is a viral disease primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected mammals, most commonly through bites. The BC Centre for Disease Control emphasizes that rabies infects the brain and nervous system, and without timely treatment, it is almost always fatal.

Island Health reassured the community that the likelihood of unreported human contact with the kitten is very low. They noted that in British Columbia, bats are the primary carriers of rabies, with only two reported human cases since 1924, both linked to bat exposure. Dr. Carol Fenton, an Island Health medical health officer, highlighted the importance of early intervention, stating that a series of vaccinations must be administered immediately after potential exposure to prevent the onset of symptoms, which are nearly always fatal once they develop.

This incident serves as a reminder of the seriousness of rabies and the importance of public awareness regarding animal interactions. Island Health continues to monitor the situation and encourages residents to remain vigilant about potential rabies exposure, particularly from bats.

Sources

• CHEK: https://cheknews.ca/chemainus-kitten-did-not-have-rabies-island-health-1274339/