WYOMISSING, PA — Health and animal welfare officials are urging residents to remain alert after a kitten found near Hill Avenue in Wyomissing Borough tested positive for rabies, according to the Wyomissing Police Department and the Animal Rescue League of Berks County.
The brown tabby and white kitten was brought to the ARL on Saturday, July 26, 2025, after a local resident found the animal injured. Subsequent testing confirmed the presence of rabies, prompting a coordinated response involving borough staff, the ARL, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health to assess potential exposures and implement precautionary measures.
Authorities are advising residents to be vigilant for animals exhibiting signs of illness, particularly those with abnormal behavior or neurological symptoms, which may include excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, aggression, disorientation, paralysis, or unusual tameness. Bats found on the ground should also be treated with suspicion, as they may be infected.
Officials stress the importance of keeping pets supervised and up to date on rabies vaccinations, which are legally required under Pennsylvania law. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rabies is a fatal neurological virus that affects the central nervous system of mammals. It is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, with a 99.9% mortality rate in humans if left untreated.
While the majority of rabies cases in the United States occur in wild animals—particularly raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, and bats—domestic animals such as dogs, cats, and livestock are susceptible if unvaccinated.
Residents who suspect they may have had contact with a rabid animal are urged to seek immediate medical attention and follow the guidance of healthcare providers and the Department of Health. If a potentially infected animal is observed, individuals should avoid contact and instead notify animal control or the local police department.
This incident serves as a reminder of the continued presence of rabies in Pennsylvania’s wildlife and the importance of preventive measures to safeguard both public and animal health. The investigation into the kitten’s origin and potential exposure pathways remains ongoing.
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