LONGVIEW, TX (7/2/2025) — The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed a case of rabies in a domestic cat located in the Honeysuckle Farms area of Longview, prompting a public health advisory.
Authorities urge residents to take immediate precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their pets. Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the central nervous system of mammals and is most commonly transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal.
“This confirmed case serves as a serious reminder of the importance of vaccinating your pets,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a public alert.
What Residents Should Know:
- Rabies is fatal if left untreated once symptoms appear.
- It is spread through saliva, often via bites or scratches.
- Early treatment is critical if exposure is suspected.
Recommended Actions:
- Ensure all pets—especially dogs, cats, and ferrets—are current on rabies vaccinations.
- Avoid contact with unfamiliar or wild animals.
- Watch for unusual behavior such as aggression or lethargy in wildlife or stray pets.
- Report any suspicious animals to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 923-4000.
- If bitten or scratched, seek medical help immediately and notify authorities.
The CDC provides additional information and guidance for veterinarians and the public at:
https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/hcp/veterinarians/index.html
Officials emphasize that vigilance and timely vaccinations are key to preventing further spread.
Stay alert. Stay safe.
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