quote:

---

ROME — The Oneida County Health Department has confirmed that two children and one adult have been exposed to rabies in the City of Rome.

A non-domesticated kitten reportedly bit a 9-year-old North George Sreet child and subsequently tested positive for rabies. The animal has been confirmed as part of a litter of kittens, many of which are still roaming the North Rome area; all may be rabid.

"We have a big problem with this," said County Public Information Officer Ken Fanelli. Stray cats “are all over the place and this is what happens." He confirmed that people who have been exposed to a rabid animal can be given post-exposure vaccinations and a globulin (antibody) injection to protect them against becoming infected. Any person bitten by an animal should wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.

Rome Police Detective Commander Tim Bates was not aware of the incident, but became alarmed as his family had a stray kitten in their bushes Wednesday night. He lives further north in Rome.

"Well-intentioned people throughout the city are at risk," Fanelli said. "They’re all over the place." He says a lack of spaying and neutering has led to the problem and asked pet owners to be responsible with the care of their pets.

Fanelli warned families to stay away from any stray animals and report them as soon as possible. Rome’s animal control officer is not authorized to deal with incidents like this, according to Mayor James Brown. "She really should be called our dog control officer," he said. "We canít deal with any other issues like cats, skunks, and squirrels."

Brown is initially offering his office for information gathering to coordinate an appropriate response to the problem. He said people can call his office at 339-7676 if they spot a stray cat or kitten. "We will work with the Humane Society," he said.

---