Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Raccoon rabies found in stray kitten in Nebraska 2023
By Carpenter, Ann et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2025·1CDC·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Identification of raccoon rabies virus variant in a stray kitten: the role of veterinary practitioners in detection and reporting of a non-native zoonotic pathogen-Nebraska, 2023.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A stray kitten was found with unusual neurological symptoms, which led to the discovery of a raccoon rabies virus variant, a type of rabies not typically seen in that area. The kitten's condition highlighted the importance of veterinarians and public health officials in recognizing and reporting this serious disease. Unfortunately, rabies is often fatal, especially in unvaccinated animals like this kitten. This case serves as a reminder for pet owners to ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies to protect them and the community.
People also search for: stray kitten rabies symptoms · rabies vaccination for cats · what to do if my cat has neurological issues
Abstract
Rabies is a fatal encephalitic disease affecting all mammals. This report describes identification of raccoon rabies virus variant isolated from a stray kitten in an urban Midwestern city that is nonendemic for this virus variant. The kitten originally presented with nonspecific neurologic abnormalities. Astute veterinary, wildlife, and public health professionals played a critical role in the identification of this fatal zoonotic disease and the extensive public health and wildlife management response that ensued. This case serves as an important reminder of the risk of rabies in unvaccinated animals or those without known vaccination status, including stray animals.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39549410/