REPORTINGCats, Dogs and Ferrets
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Cats, dogs and ferrets are furry and cuddly but also magnets for the rabies virus. Vaccinating pets against the rabies virus should be top priority for all pet owners. Rabies is an extremely dangerous virus and is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms begin. To date, there have been no cases in northern Idaho of rabies in cats, dogs or ferrets. However, there have been cases of rabies in other parts of Idaho.
It's important to observe under quarantine any cat, dog or ferret that has bitten a person for 10 days after the bite to make certain the pet doesn't start to show signs of rabies. If the pet shows signs of rabies, the person who was bitten needs to start the vaccination series of rabies shots immediately.
Cats, dogs and ferrets can also carry other diseases that can spread to people, so keeping up-to-date on vaccinations is important! Consult with your pet's veterinarian on a regular basis.